Thailand beat former champion Bahrain 2-0 in the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup held on Jomtien Beach in Pattaya last night (Monday).

This is the first time that Thailand has progressed from the group stage to the second round of the Cup.

Thailand lost their opening match to Saudi Arabia, but beat Afghanistan before defeating Bahrain, the former 2006 Asian Cup champion, in the final game of the group stage to advance to the second round.

To cheers from the home crowd, the Thai team did not disappoint as Tanandon Praracha scored the first goal 19 minutes into the game, followed by the second, from Watchara Lepajit, in the 36th minute.

At the end of the match, the Thai team thanked their fans for their support.

The Thai team scored 7 points, becoming the top team of the group as it advances to the second round.

For the success of the team, the board of the Thai beach soccer team announced the injection of 800,000 baht as a reward for the players.

The Thai team will meet the team from the United Arab Emirates, two-time former champion, tomorrow night in a knockout match.