Goals by Kroekrit Taweekarn and Theerathon Bunmathan sandwiched an own-goal by the home team gave Kiatisak Senamuang’s men a comfortable win.
The victory bolstered the Thais’ position at the top of the Asian World Cup qualifying Group F standings.
They now have 10 points from four games and enjoy a five-point advantage over second-placed Iraq, who have a match in hand.
Vietnam stayed in third place with four points from as many matches. Taiwan, the other team in the group, are still looking for their first point.
The heavy loss dashed Vietnamese hopes of staking a claim for first place in the group and left them with only a hypothetical chance of making it to the final stage of Asia’s final qualifying round for the 2018 World Cup.
Winners of the eight groups and four best second-placed teams will compete in continent’s final qualifying tournament for places at Russia 2018.
The sight of a large Cheer Thai Power group inside My Dinh Stadium gave the national team a force to counter the vociferous Vietnamese crowd in the stands and a much-needed lift in morale.
Thailand entered the match with Kawin Thamsatchanan returning as goalkeeper and Teerasil Dangda, once again, assuming the role of striker.
The Vietnamese started off in an attacking frame of mind. After a cautious start, the Thai players dug in their heels and began giving their rivals a run for their money.
In the 18th minute, Thailand could have picked up their first goal when Mongkol Totsakrai set up Teerasil whose shot lacked power and Vietnam goalkeeper Tran Nguyen Manh didn’t have to do much to save it.
The Vietnamese looked ominous on the counter-attack and their repeated forays into the Thai half put the visitors under pressure.
The hosts had an opportunity to go ahead in the 24th minute, but Mac Hong Quan missed the target.
Thailand’s first goal in the 28th minute was the result of a spectacular long drive by Kroekrit Taweekarn from outside the box.
Picking up a pass from Teerasil on the left flank, Kroekrit shuffled a step and unleashed a left-footed sizzler that sailed between two Vietnam defenders past a diving Tran into the net.
After conceding the goal, the hosts went all out in search of an equaliser but their efforts were either thwarted by the strong Thai defence or they simply shot wide from long distances.
Vietnam’s only real chance of getting even with the Thais came late in the first half when Nguyen Van Quyet saw Kawin make an impressive save to ensure that his team maintained their one-goal edge.
During the last minute of the first half, a free-kick by Pokklaw A-Nan bounced back after hitting the post.
Mongkol attempted to guide the loose ball into the net but the Vietnamese goalkeeper saved it.
The Vietnamese came back for the second half with a renewed vigour but the Thai defenders held their own.
Kroekrit had a big hand in helping the Thais double their lead in the 56th minute when his through ball was deflected by Vietnamese defender Dinh Tien Thanh into his own net.
With their enthusiasm deflated, the Vietnamese made some halfhearted attacking forays which the Thai defenders warded off with ease.
In the 70th minute, Thailand netted their third when Buriram defender Theerathon beat an offside trap and his blistering shot left the goalkeeper with no chance of making a save.
The Thais played in a relaxed manner and Teerasil was denied a chance to put his name on the scoresheet by the Vietnamese defenders.
The Vietnamese tried to salvage some pride towards the end of the match and had a free-kick but Nguyen Van Quyet sent his shot over the bar.
Thailand will next host Taiwan on Nov 12 and then go to Iraq on March 24.
Meanwhile, the Football Association of Thailand on Tuesday said it would postpone this weekend’s election of a new chief, a day after the incumbent Worawi Makudi was suspended by a FIFA ethics probe.
Worawi was widely tipped to retain his position at the helm of a game that he has dominated in Thailand for several years, but on Monday a FIFA’s ethics watchdog banned him from all football-related activities for 90 days “on the grounds that a breach of the Code of Ethics appears to have been committed”.
The association was ordered to “postpone the election of a chairman, deputy chairman and members, which was due to take place on October 17”, pending further investigation by FIFA, Football Association of Thailand (FAT) lawyer Narinpong Jinapak said in a statement.
- See more at: http://www.thephuketnews.com/big-thai-win-boosts-world-cup-qualifying-hopes-54534.php#sthash.BOoA6YJk.dpuf