Thailand completed their 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup Group A campaign with three straight victories after beating Myanmar 2-0 at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday.
Having already seen his side book their place in the semifinals with a game to spare, Thailand boss Kiatisuk Senamuang took the opportunity to rest a host of key players including goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan, midfielders Charyl Chappuis and Chanathip Songkrasin and striker Adisak Kraisorn.
However, Thailand certainly did not look like a team lacking star quality. They edged ahead in the 12th minute when Tanaboon Kesarat latched onto Sarawut Masuk's lay-off just outside the box and smashed in off the bar.
Myanmar did have a number of chances to pull level. Kyaw Ko Ko came the closest in the 16th minute when he broke free in the box before guiding his shot past Chanin Sae-Eae. However, Suttinun Phuk-hom recovered in time to clear off the line.
Still, it was the War Elephants who largely controlled proceedings. Artit Daosawang hit a free-kick straight at Thiha Sithu in the 33rd minute. Kirati Keawsombat could only fire wide of the near post after racing through down the right a minute before half-time.
Nonetheless, Myanmar came out in the second half looking like a side determined to end their campaign on a high. But they were just unable to find the killer touch in front of goal -- Ko Ko, Kyaw Zayar Win and Min Min Thu all failing to hit the target from promising positions.
Kyi Lin, in particular, was unlucky not to level the scores a minute before the hour mark. His exquisite shot had Chanin beaten all ends up, only for the ball to come back off the post.
But just when it looked like the White Angels might get back into the contest, Prakit Deeprom lined up a 25-yard free-kick and curled in a sublime effort into the top corner.
Although the win reinforced Thailand's status as tournament favourites, Kiatisuk is determined to keep his players grounded until the ultimate target is achieved.
"Of course, I'm happy with our performance in the group stage," he said. "But this is still not the objective. Our target is to reach the final and win the Cup -- our job is not done yet.
"Now we have to focus on Philippines, who have very good skill and technique. But we will be able to handle them given we beat them in a friendly before the tournament."
Meanwhile, Myanmar coach Radojko Avramovic was full of praise for his side despite their elimination.
"I think Myanmar have taken a big step up in the way we played and the chances we created," said the former Singapore coach who won the title in 2012 with The Lions.
"I don't think anyone will be disappointed with how we coped against Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Even tonight, I think we deserved to win -- that doesn't mean I think we're better than Thailand. We created a lot more chances and we definitely deserved more."