The Singapore national football team will play Thailand in a two-legged friendly match to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Republic and the kingdom.

The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) announced on Friday that the first match will be played in the Thai city of Korat on March 26 while details of the second match will be announced later.

Mrs Chua Siew San, Singapore's ambassador to Thailand, said: "The match between the Thai and Singapore national football teams in Thailand will kick off our year-long celebrations to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations and to highlight the close friendship and strong ties between our two countries.

"No doubt Thai and Singapore fans will be looking forward to exciting matches between these two leading regional teams."

FAS president Zainudin Nordin said: "Since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between Singapore and Thailand on Sep 20, 1965, we have developed strong ties at the government-to-government, business-to-business and people-to-people levels.

"Football is one of the key sports which can further strengthen relations at all levels and we are honoured to have the opportunity to be part of the commemorative events to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between both countries."

Ticketing details of the first match will be announced next week.