Star striker Kiatisak "Zico" Senamuang grabbed a hat-trick yesterday as Thailand fought back from 4-1 down to claim a thrilling 5-4 win over Kuwait in yesterday's friendly match at Suphachalasai Stadium.

The Thais, who are starting their preparation for the World Cup qualifiers in May, showed real fighting spirit in refusing to give up and head coach Peter Withe was delighted with their performance against a side who beat them in the 1998 Asian Games and also in an Asian Cup warmup match last year.

"Even though the boys have only been training together for 10 days, they showed what they can do," he said.

"When we were 4-1 down, I still believed that we could win the game and our commitment was the turning point."Playing in front of a crowd of 2,000, Thailand looked unfamiliar as they were wearing grey jerseys and there were some new faces in their lineup including Anon Boonsuko.

Kuwait started brightly and Jasem Alhuwadi twice went close to scoring, heading wide first time and then being denied by Thai goalkeeper Kittisak Rawangpa.

The visitors lost Ahmad Almutairi in the 14th minute when he was taken to hospital with a knee injury after a bad tackle by Chukiat Noosalung.

Thailand's first threatening moment came from a 30-yard free-kick from Terdsak Jaiman but Kuwait goalkeeper Khaled Alfadhli was equal to it.

But Kuwait struck in first half injury time when Naser Alothman crossed from the right and Meshari Ben Hajee fired home.

Then nine minutes after the break Kuwait went 2-0 up thanks to a superb free-kick from Jamal Abdulrahman.

Thailand hit back almost immediately when substitute Voravudh Srimaka crossed for Kiatisak to head home.

In the 59th minute, though, Kuwait got their third through Alhuwadi and two minutes later Bashar Abdulziz made it 4-1.

Thailand's comeback started in the 65th minute when Voravudh made it 4-2 after a shot from Thongchai had hit the bar.

This got the crowd behind the home side and five minutes later Thailand got their third when Kiatisak slotted home a penalty after Tananchai Boriban had been fouled by Abdulrahman in the box.

Five more minutes and Thailand were level. Panupong Chimpook played a long ball through and Tananchai Boriban made no mistake to make it 4-4.

By now the Kuwaitis looked nervous every time Thailand attacked and with the small crowd roaring them on, Withe's men went for the winner.

And in the 83rd minute it came when Kiatisak took advantage of a misplaced pass from Kalaf Alshamary to go on and score to complete his hat-trick and clinch a thrilling victory.