After the second set went on serve till 6-5, India were in deep trouble and looked set for a shock defeat at 0-40 down.
But Paes lifted the team with a superb showing as the pair defended six match-points in the game. He conjured intelligent lobs and drop volleys at deciding points to leave the Thais guessing.
The chest bumps returned as the Indians picked themselves from an almost losing cause to take the set into the tie-break.
Paes-Bhupathi again found themselves in trouble at 5-3 down in the tie-break, but their experience and Paes's touch was difficult to overcome. Sanchai served a double fault at 7-8 to bring a tame end to the high-quality set.
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