It was their first loss of the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup but defeat never tasted so sweet for Thailand. Despite going down 3-2 on the night to Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, Kiatisuk Senumuang's side prevailed 4-3 on aggregate over two legs to claim their fourth regional crown.
With an average age of just 24, this Thailand side could be a dominant force in Southeast Asia for some time to come.
Although it was a nervy performance in front of more than 95,000 pro-Malaysia fans, the War Elephants came good when it mattered in the last quarter of the game.
It was fitting that the goals came from brilliant, young attackers Charyl Chappuis and Chanathip Songkrasin, two of Thailand's outstanding players of the tournament.
(Player ratings (1-10; 10=best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating):
GK Kawin Thammasatchanan, 6
The normally assured goalkeeper had collision with Azamuddin Akil in the opening minutes and never quite regained his composure. Was at fault for coming out to collect Norshahrul's cross, before deciding to backtrack at the last minute which resulted in Indra Putra heading the Malaysians into a two-goal lead just before half-time. Not the best performance from a player who was once on the radar of Manchester United.
DF Tanaboon Kesarat, 5.5
Had an off day along with his central defensive partner Suttinan Phukhom. Definitely not one of their better performances but did well to get stuck in to give their team a fighting chance towards the end.
DF Suttinan Phukhom, 5.5
Gave away a dubious penalty after being adjudged to have fouled Norshahrul in the box. Troubled by the trickery of Mat Yo and Safee Sali but played better as the game went on.
DF Narubodin Weerawatnodom, 6
Having to stop Indra Putra down Malaysia's left wing was an uphill task. But still managed to push forward in support of Chanathip whenever his team tried to go on the offensive.
MF Peerapat Notchaiya, 6
Peerapat has been one of Thailand's most solid performers in the tournament. No nonsense defending on the left and is always eager to overlap and give Kroekrit Thaweekarn an option down the wing. Had to give up his attacking instincts to deal with Amri on this night.
MF Sarach Yooyen, 7
From a virtual unknown to becoming a key player for Kiatisuk's golden generation of youngsters. Rarely put a pass wrong and took the free kick that gave Charyl Chappuis a chance to score on the rebound. Give him a couple more years and he could well be the successor to Datsakorn Thonglao in the engine room.
MF Prakit Deeprom, 5
Relatively quiet game for the man who caused Singapore tons of problems in the group stages.
MF Kroekrit Thaweekarn, 7
Was his usual bustling self down the left flank. Gave Kunalan a run for his money as the fastest player on the pitch. Could have done better to convert the two opportunities that came his way in the first half.
MF Charyl Chappuis, 7.5
What can you say about the posterboy of ASEAN football? Quiet game by his standards but was quickest to react to the rebound in the 82th minute to swing the game Thailand's way. The Swiss-born playmaker definitely achieved his aim of showing that he plays football as well as he looks.
MF Chanathip Songkrasin, 8.5
The Lionel Messi of Thailand won the Most Valuable Player award at the end of the night and was a constant menace to the Malaysian defence. Deceptively strong despite his pint-sized frame. Showed his class when he lashed a thunderbolt into the back of the net to make it 4-3 on aggregate to the visitors. No wonder J-League club Shimizu S-Pulse are looking to sign him for next season.
FW Adisak Kraisorn, 7
Handled the lone striker role on a tough night when his team were on the back foot for most of the game. Managed to draw the Malaysian defence open with a few well-timed runs down the wings. But he was man-handled on numerous occasions by Shukor and Afif. It left him barely standing at the end of the game. Well deserved rest for this hit man.
Substitutes:
MF Sarawut Masuk, 6
Sarawut gave a bit more energy to the engine room after replacing Prakit in the 63rd minute. Was efficient in his role and gave Chappuis license to roam further up the pitch.
MF Adul Lahsom, N/R
A nice gesture by Kiatisuk to bring on the official captain of the War Elephants in the 89th minute.