Three time champions Thailand advanced to their fourth AFF Suzuki Cup final in the last five tournaments after defeating 10 man Philippines 3-0 on aggregate in their semifinal.
Kiatisuk Senamuang's side won 3-0 in the second leg in front of their home fans in Bangkok after Saturday's first leg in Manila ended up in a 0-0 draw.
The Thais will play either Vietnam or Malaysia in the final of the Southeast Asian tournament on Dec. 17 and 20. The Vietnamese lead 2-1 on aggregate ahead of Thursday's second leg in Hanoi.
Looking to win their first AFF title since 2002, Thailand went in search of a place in the final with a depleted attack as forwards Kirati Keawsombut (leg injury) and Adisak Kraisorn (suspension) were missing from the line-up.
But taking to the packed Rajamangala Stadium without a recognised striker, the War Elephants needed just five minutes to grab the lead.
Defender Naruebodin Weerawattanodom rose high to win the knock down of the cross in the box. The unmarked Chanathip Songkrasin controlled the ball and took his time to fire off a perfect left-footed cross that beat Patrick Deyto in goal to put Thailand ahead 1-0.
Just five minutes later, Thailand almost doubled their lead when midfielder Mongkol Tossakai broke clear into the box. But, in a one-on-one situation, Deyto was quick to smother Mongkol before he had a chance to shoot.
The first quarter of the match saw the home side dominate possession and test the Azkals' defence with a succession of corners.
The pressure didn't ease with Chanathip Songkrasin not afraid to shoot. The Philippines resorted to heavy challenges from Martin Steuble and Daisuke Sato, earning them yellow cards. The aggressive Dato was subbed off by coach Thomas Dooley in the 33rd minute, replaced by Patrick Reichelt.
One minute before half-time, Prakit Deeprom had a gilt-edged opportunity to make it 2-0 as he burst unmarked into the box. But instead of shooting, he sent a misguided pass that Chappuis Charyl was unable to reach.
Somehow, the Azkals got to the break just a single goal behind, despite conceding six first half corners to none. Former striker Kiatisuk could reflect on a half where his makeshift forwards created chances that they struggled to finish.
The Philippines came out with renewed purpose after the break, knowing that an equaliser could take them through to the final, with away-goals counting double.
In the 50th minute, Steuble tested Kawin Thamsatchanan with a superb left-footed shot from outside the area that Kawin parried wide.
Two minutes later, Chanathip stung the hands of Deyto with his own, long range effort.
In the 57th minute, the crucial second goal came when Parkit's pinpoint pass found a charging Krirkrit Thaweekarn. Krirkit repelled the challenge of Simone Rota to place his shot past Deyto and leave the Philippines with a mountain to climb at 2-0 behind.
A miserable night for Philippines was complete when Steuble was sent off in the 82nd minute, shown a second yellow card after taking out Prakit in the air. Dooley's side then faced an almost impossible task to turn things around with 10 men against the confident home side.
Sure enough, the Thais made their extra man count when Krirkrit picked up his second goal with four minutes left to make it 3-0.
This is the 10th AFF championship. If Thailand win the final, they will equal Singapore's record of four titles. Vietnam and Malaysia have won the tournament once each.