Ecuador striker Felipe Caicedo struck his first goal for the Blues at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok before the All-Stars netted twice in eight minutes at the end of the first period and added a third midway through the second half.

Eriksson's position as manager is rumoured to be precarious with owner Thaksin Shinawatra reportedly disappointed with a ninth-placed finish in the Premier League.

However, when the Swede was asked what his relationship was like with Thaksin - a question which the club attempted to block - he smiled and replied: "Good."

The club would not confirm if Eriksson and Thaksin had met in Bangkok, but the former Thai prime minister's mood is sure to have worsened after a woeful performance in front of his compatriots.

The ramifications in football terms for a loss in the first game of City's post-season promotional tour are not severe, but the match could prove to be the penultimate game of Eriksson's one-season reign as a Premier League manager.

"We should have won the game," he said. "It was a good game, lots of occasions to score."

The former England manager could yet earn a reprieve after the Blues were awarded a UEFA Cup place via the Fair Play system.

"The news about the UEFA Cup was extremely good news for the club," he said.

"I think it's a dream for the fans, the players and for the club. For the club to attract new players it's easier when we're playing in Europe, obviously."

But the 60-year-old declined to elaborate further or say if the European berth has allowed him to reassess his transfer targets.

"There is a lot of time to talk about that," he added. "There is a lot of time until next year."

Eriksson's steadfast resistance to comment on future matters stokes the fires of speculation, which is set to rumble on until after the completion of Thaksin's review - set to come late next week at the earliest.

Three Thai players - Suree Sukka, Teerasil Dangda and Kiatprawut Saiwaew - made their City debuts in the defeat, having been sent out on loan after signing last November due to work permit problems.

The trio thanked Eriksson for the opportunity, while the Swede in turn said he hoped they could now go on to play in the Premier League.

The All-Stars had trained together for just one week prior to the match and coach Chanvit Polchivin, who is also in charge of the Thailand national team, was delighted with the result.

"We're happy with the game today and the 3-1 result," said Chanvit.

"The team have been preparing for just over one week and the players performed well despite the humid conditions."