The delayed 31st Southeast Asian Games (Sea Games) will take place in Hanoi, Vietnam next month, and as in previous games a crucial event will be men's football.
Football remains arguably the region's favourite sport, and Thailand and Vietnam -- long-time rivals -- are often two of the most powerful sides. Fans expect a lot.
To strengthen its national team, Thailand has made significant moves lately, and these have raised big questions about the direction and future of Thai football.
Last week, Thai League organisers decided to change league and cup schedules to accommodate the under-23 (U23) side's participation in the Sea Games. This has provoked some criticism.
The changes affect the final round of Thai League 1 matches. Originally scheduled for May 7, they will now take place on May 4. The League Cup semi-finals have been postponed until May 25 from May 11 and the final will be held on May 29.
The schedule changes are meant to avoid overlap and allow Thailand's U23 team to get key players from clubs, which will be able to release players for competition in the Hanoi Sea Games.
It's widely thought the influence of Nualphan Lamsam, manager of the Thai men's senior and U23 teams, helped make the changes possible.
Ms Nualphan had previously urged clubs to release their players to join the U23 team, but several clubs disagreed as the Sea Games tournament is not included in Fifa's international match calendar.
The schedule changes have drawn a mixed reaction. Some think the Sea Games are important and Thailand should do all it can to win, although at the same time acknowledging it will be difficult this year with Vietnam as host.
Other critics, meanwhile, downplay the Sea Games' importance and think Thailand should focus instead on international competitions of larger scope.
For his part, Thai League Co acting chairman Korrawee Pritsananantakul said he understood the pressure placed on the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) and the Thai national team manager to fulfil expectations and claim football gold in the Sea Games.
It's a matter of national honour and a source of great pride for all Thais when their team does well.
However, Mr Korrawee disagrees with those who say that de-emphasising regional competitions in favour of international events won't help upgrade Thai football in terms of professionalism and quality of play. Sometimes a great leap forward is just what's needed.
His view is rational. The Thai national football team has racked up many achievements in the Sea Games including 16 gold medals. But, like the middle-income trap of economics, Thai football seems ensnared in the trap of small sporting success.
Indeed, over in Vietnam football fans there often refer to Sea Games football competition as "the village tournament".
It's time for the FAT to look beyond the Sea Games. It should set a new goal of achieving success in bigger international events, though while viewing the Sea Games not only as worthy competition but also a way to develop each upcoming generation of top players.
With that in mind, perhaps some pressure from fans and the public might encourage the FAT and concerned figures to, yes, win gold at the Sea Games -- but also to maintain focus further afield.
There's a world of football beyond Southeast Asia, and Thai fans are right in wanting to kick-start their side's chances there. Call it well-managed expectations.
