With this win, they matched their performance at the last SEA Games in Cambodia two years ago, where they lost to Indonesia and settled for silver.

The victory sets up a highly anticipated clash with Indonesia in the final on Wednesday.

Former world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn gave Thailand a flying start by sweeping aside Leong Jun Hao 21-15, 21-15 in the first singles match, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead.

World No 2 doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik levelled the score at 1-1 after defeating Supak Jomkoh-Peeratchai Sukphun 21-18, 21-19.

Second singles player Justin Hoh gave Malaysia a 2-1 lead when he made short work of Thailand’s No 2 shuttler Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul, winning 21-15, 21-17.

Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun lived up to expectations when they delivered the winning point for Malaysia, though not without some drama.

They took the first game comfortably against Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Pakkapon Teeraratsakul and held a big lead in the second, but still lost it, forcing the match into a decider.

Wei Chong-Kai Wun kept their cool, however, to win the match 21-14, 18-21, 21-17.