With a 2-0 lead from the Friday’s reversed singles rubbers, Thailand closed the deal on Saturday’s morning when Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana prevailed over Francis Casey Alcantara and Jurence Zosimo Mendoza 6-4 7-5.

The visitors however escaped from a whitewash when John Bryan Otico beat Cup debutant Vittaya Samrej 6-2 3-6 6-7 (retired with cramp) in the meaningless rubber.

Thailand’s mission in the Cup is over this year and will remain in Group II in 2020. It’s still not revealed by the ITF what will be the format for next year.

“It’s not an easy rubber as we wanted to win 3-0,” said Sonchat. “Both team had the chance to win but we managed a crucial break in the end to close out the match.”

Thai captain Danai Udomchoke was pleased with the expected result. He gave credit to Palaphoom Kovapitukted to win the first rubber which put the team in a good position.

The current squad is likely to represent Thailand again in the SEA Games due at the Philippines in December.