Robson does not have much time to prepare before the Asian qualifiers next month [EPA]

The former Manchester United captain said he would teach an already technically talented team a "patient passing game.''

Robson, 52, takes over the Thai job after the resignation of Peter Reid, who has returned to England to be an assistant coach at Stoke City.

Thailand heads into the Asian Cup qualifiers next month against Singapore, and Robson said he would waste no time in getting the team ready.

"I give 100 percent to anything I try to do in life, and the one thing the Thai people can be guaranteed of is I will give 100 percent to try to make Thailand as successful as we possibly can,'' Robson said.

United in praise

He received vote of confidence from his former manager Alex Ferguson, who described Robson as his best captain during his long stint in charge at Manchester United.

"A marvellous motivator, a great instinct for the game, a powerful dressing room influence, the best captain I've ever had,'' Ferguson said via phone hook-up to the news conference.

"He can only do well in his career with the Thailand national team.''

Robson had been out of management since the end of his spell at Sheffield United last year. He had previously managed Middlesbrough, Bradford City and West Bromwich Albion.

Robson said he had held discussions with Reid about the strengths and weaknesses of the Thai team, saying Reid praised the players' technical ability while noting the difficulties of management in a society that frowns upon direct criticism.

"I know that the Thai players have very good technique so I want to try to play a patient passing game with the team,'' Robson said.

"Peter said the one thing Thai players don't particularly like is really telling them off in
front of team mates.

"I respect the culture of Thailand. For me you have to adapt, you work with the players to get the best out of them and that's what I will try to do.''