Ting Chi’s first-half winner means another victory in either of their two remaining matches against Australia and China PR would almost certainly see Echigo’s charges through to next month’s play-off round, with a maiden Olympic qualification remaining the ultimate goal.

Ji So-yun, Park Yee-Un and Yeo Min-ji all scored braces while Lee So-dam also found the back of the net as the Taeguk Ladies began their Olympic qualifying campaign on a positive note.

Myanmar, on the other, will be hoping for an improved performance when they face Vietnam on Thursday.

Myanmar found Korea Republic too hot to handle at the Jeju World Cup Stadium and their hopes of qualifying for the 2020 Olympics are hanging by a thread going into Thursday's meeting with Vietnam.

Ting Chi’s strike midway through the first half gave Kazuo Echigo’s side a lead they never relinquished, well and truly keeping alive their hopes of advancing to next month’s final qualifying play-off as one the group’s top two sides.

Monday’s defeat comes as a severe blow to Thailand, who are now likely to need positive results against both China PR and Australia if their Olympic dream is to become a reality.

Ji So-yun put the Taeguk Ladies ahead with a fifth minute penalty and Lee So-dam doubled their advantage for a 2-0 lead at half-time, before Korea Republic turned on the power in the second half to register a resounding win.

Colin Bell’s side are one step closer to earning a spot at Tokyo 2020, while Myanmar will have to win their next match against Vietnam to keep their Olympic dream alive.

Korea Republic, Vietnam and Myanmar will see Group A action in Jeju Island, Korea Republic, while Australia, Thailand, China PR and Chinese Taipei will play their Group B matches in Sydney, Australia.

The top two sides from Group B will play off – on a home and away basis – against the top two teams from Group A – for the final two places, alongside hosts Japan, at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

The leg, known as the "Grand Start", is due to take place at the J-Village National Training Centre in Fukushima on March 26, 2020.