Australia finished positively at the Queen Sirikit Cup, even if wasn't enough to figure in the ceremonies.
Regional powerhouse Korea remarkably won its fifth straight Asian women's team title — and 11 of the past 12 — with a thrilling countback win over host Thailand.
And in a pulsating finish, Japan would have won that countback had a putt on the final hole dropped. But so close was the final result that the Japanese had to settle for third, one shot back.
Australia, featuring Grace Kim, Becky Kay and Steph Bunque, had its collective best day on the last of three rounds, recording a one-under-par team score to finish in a share of seventh with China at two over, 17 shots behind the Korean and Thai teams.
The Australian women were solid on day three, but just couldn't find the fireworks in a round featuring high humidity and a rain delay.
Gold Coaster Kay was the pick of the Aussies on day three, carding a one-under-par 71 to finish at five over individually in a share of 20th place overall.
Kay made four birdies, but her short game was chiefly to blame for three bogeys that cost her an even better score.
"The girls did great today," Kay said.
"The conditions, playing in this heat, is a lot to adapt to compared to Australia, but we tried our best and so proud to represent Australia."
Kim, of Sydney, was even in her final round and had pushed into the top five overall until coming back from a delay to card two late bogeys.
Still, her two-under total (69-73-72) was good for a share of ninth at two under, 11 strokes behind Thai individual hero Atthaya Thitikul, who was victorious by three strokes at -14.
"I managed to be mentally positive all throughout this week," Kim said.
"I was able to perform consistently, so I am happy with my top 10 in a field this strong."
Melburnian Bunque had the best round of her week, playing aggressively to share 30th at 11 over after a closing 73.
Bunque went for home on two par-fives that were out of range for many in the field, managing a birdie on one and a bogey on the other to personify her round.
"It was an amazing week overall. Although the golf didn’t turn out as planned I learnt so much," Bunque said.
Australia will host next year's edition of the Queen Sirikit Cup for the first time since 2006.