New Zealand captain Ryan Nelsen has saved his nation from embarrassment by netting two goals to force a draw with Thailand's A side.

Played in Bangkok yesterday, the home side took the lead early before the Blackburn Rovers defender hit a sweet volley into the back of the net in the 20th minute to equalise.

Two minutes after half-time, the All Whites went behind after a mix up between Andy Boyens and goalkeeper Glen Moss allowed a Thai striker to score.

Again it was Nelsen to the rescue, this time with a strong header on 50 minutes.

New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert said he was happy with the result despite it being a draw.

"I was very pleased tonight, we dictated 60 to 65 per cent of the game," Herbert said.

"We fell behind to a hell of a strike and it was a defensive error for the second with a couple of players getting caught in no man's land. But apart from that I think we only allowed one shot the second half.

"It was a step up, which was important for us to achieve tonight, so onwards and upwards."