PHUKET: After watching the match, His Majesty The King called to congratulate Thailand's football team on winning the AFF Suzuki Cup final in Kuala Lumpur last night. That gave the nation two reasons for elation.

Players and coach Kiatisuk "Zico" Senamuang waved a portrait of the King above their heads after Thailand staged a remarkable comeback to sustain a 3-2 loss on the night but win on aggregate because of their 2-0 victory in Bangkok earlier in the week.

Thailand immediately went into celebration mode, with happiness being delivered in cheers of joy and delight across the entire united nation.

It could have been so different. the War Elephants slipped to be 3-0 down at the 58-minute mark thanks to a brilliant curling free kick by Malaysia's Safiq from outside the box.

At that time, Malaysian fans began teasing Thailand fans that the Tigers were on top and going to win.

But Charyl Chappuis cut the lead to 3-1 in the 82nd minute. And one away goal was all that was required for Thailand to win.

The sealer came five minutes later when Chanathip ''Messi Jay'' Songkrasin punished a left-foot volley home to put the game out of reach of the Tigers.

It was Thailand's first Cup title since 2002, a splendid New Year gift to the beleagured nation and its military government.

''We played a beautiful game, a fantasic game,'' Thailand coach Kiatisak Senamuang said after the match.

It could be the sign of a return to a golden era for the War Elephants. Coach Zico played as a striker and scored 251 goals from 339 appearances throughout his 18 years career.