The win moved Thailand onto six points from three Group A matches, keeping the hosts firmly in contention for a place in the last four.
Thailand endured a sluggish start, frequently misplacing passes and allowing Malaysia space down the flanks. Mohamadou Sumareh was the visitors’ brightest attacking outlet, repeatedly breaking down the right wing, but Malaysia lacked the final pass to capitalize on the openings.
Neither side created many clear chances in a scrappy first half dominated by midfield battles and misplaced passes. The breakthrough came in the 37th minute after VAR awarded Thailand a penalty when Kakana Khamyok was brought down from behind by Ubaidullah Shamsul.
Yotsakorn Burapha confidently converted from the spot two minutes later, drilling his effort into the right corner for his second goal of the tournament.
Thailand nearly doubled their lead before halftime, but Teerasak Poeiphimai fired over the bar from close range in stoppage time.
Malaysia introduced Faris Danish at the start of the second half in an attempt to revive their attack, while Thailand brought on Worachit Kanitsribampen, a substitution that quickly paid dividends.
Just 11 minutes after the restart, Worachit spotted Teerasak unmarked inside the penalty area and delivered a perfectly weighted pass. Teerasak made no mistake, calmly finishing past goalkeeper Azri Ghani to double Thailand’s advantage.
With a two-goal cushion, Thailand controlled possession for much of the remainder of the match, forcing Malaysia to chase the ball. The visitors struggled to create meaningful opportunities, with long-range efforts from Pavithran, Paulo Josue and Daryl Sham comfortably dealt with by goalkeeper Kampol Phatomakkakul.
Malaysia’s best opening after conceding the second goal came in the 74th minute, when Faris Danish found Wan Kuzain at the far post, but his effort drifted wide.
Thailand comfortably saw out the closing stages to secure all three points, limiting Malaysia to few threatening attacks despite four minutes of added time.