Thailand to train in Germany

Thai forward Pipat Thonkanya celebrates after scoring against Singapore in February 2007. Co-host Thailand will head to Germany for a training camp as part of their preparations for the Asian Cup finals in July.

Co-host Thailand will head to Germany for a training camp as part of their preparations for the Asian Cup finals in July, a report said Monday.

Head coach Chanvit Phalajivin believes the stint will prove useful for his team.

"It will help them focus on their professional attitude and their skills. There won't be any distractions, unlike in Thailand," he was quoted saying in the Bangkok Post Monday.

"They will return to Thailand strong and fit and with knowledge of new tactics and techniques."

The Thai team will leave for Germany on June 7 or 8.

Before that, the Southeast Asian powerhouse is scheduled to play China in a friendly on May 16 and Holland on June 6, both in Bangkok, according to FIFA's schedule of matches.

On their return, they are due to take on Qatar on June 30 before the Asian Cup finals get underway on July 7.

Thailand are drawn in Group A along with hot favourites Australia, Iraq and Oman.