China has obvious advantage. But "free pass" is exaggerating.
Thailand can put hope in BP, their MDs (in particular 2nd MD) and this new guy who beat TH (this guy must play 3rd MS as he did when facing Germany as I don't think he has any chance beating BCL ) -- if this guy is young, fast/agile and powerful, then bingo! He has chance to beat CJ ("Underdogs" that beat CJ: Kendrick Lee is young and powerful, the MAS youngster is young and fast). Also don't forget that BP, who beat CJ easily twice in 2007, can share his knowledge on how to beat CJ.