Thailand's defence of the King's Cup got off to a disappointing start yesterday as they were beaten 4-1 by Sweden in front of 20,000 fans at Suphachalasai Stadium.

Thailand skipper Kiatisak "Zico" Senamuang, back from club duty in Singapore, nearly gave his side a dream start against the tall Swedes but he headed over the bar.

In the 11th minute Therdsak Chaiman's free-kick from 25 metres was well held by Swedish goalkeeper Magnus Kihlstedt but before long Thailand went behind.

Thanongsak Pajakkata fouled Rade Prica in the area and Stefan Selakovic converted the spot-kick to put the visitors ahead in the 24th minute.

Another long shot, this time from Tawan Sripan, was well stopped by Kihlstedt and in the 39th minute Anders Svensson got the Swedes' second after being set up by Selakovic.

Thailand came out from the break determined to get back into the match and after five minutes they got the goal they needed when Tawan fired home from long distance.

The fans then got behind the home side and the Swedes looked to be tiring from the heat. Nirut Surasiang, who was out for six months with a knee injury, then replaced Tawan.

In the 70th minute, Pipat Tonkanya should have scored an equaliser but Kihlstedt saved well.

Two minutes later the Swedes went 3-1 ahead thanks to a superb finish from Fredrik Berglund which left Kitisak Rawangpa with no chance.

During added time, Sweden added a fourth goal from Martin Aslund after a mistake by Thai goalkeeper Kittisak who came out of the penalty area but failed to clear the ball leaving Aslund with an easy chance.

Thailand coach Peter Withe said: "We found it difficult to adapt to the conditions in the first half and also the system that the Swedes played. Anders Svensson caused a lot of problems for us.

"But in the second half we came back and created a lot of chances. "When we were 3-1 down, I changed my system to have three strikers and we were exposed at the back although the goalkeeper should have cleared the ball for the fourth goal.