Football
AAP 7y

Australia must be mindful of Thailand circumstances - Ange Postecoglou

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou has urged travelling supporters to respect the wishes of the Thai government and treat next month's World Cup qualifier in Bangkok as a solemn occasion.

The clash on Nov. 15 between Australia and Thailand will go ahead as planned despite the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej earlier this month, which has sent the country into a year-long mourning period.

However, football fans have been told to resist any "joyful activities" at the match, such as chanting, and to wear neutral colours like black, white and grey.

"It was no small decision from them to play the game and the [playing] group travelling over will be very mindful of the circumstances we're going into and I hope our spectators do the same," Postecoglou said.

"This is not something we're familiar with.

"The fact they've gone to these lengths shows it's a very significant event in their country and we'll be mindful of it.

"We travel far and wide and, as a group and a nation, we've got to be respectful of the places we travel to.

"There was a little bit of conjecture about if the game would go ahead but the Thai government have worked pretty hard to ensure it will and it won't affect the contest at all -- but the surroundings of it will be affected and we've got to respect that."

Thailand are winless and bottom of Group B and need an unlikely win over Australia to have any realistic chance of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

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