Australia jumped to a two-goal lead in the Chinese province of Jiangsu where the tournament begins on Tuesday.
Ante Milicic's men went ahead when Newcastle Jets defender Cowburn volleyed home a rebound from Ben Garuccio's corner on eight minutes.
Mauk, currently on loan at Melbourne City from NEC, made it two after the break after link-up play from Keanu Baccus and Trent Buhagiar down the right.
Thailand replied on 70 minutes but were second-best against the Olyroos.
Australia begin their campaign on Thursday against Syria, with group games to follow against Vietnam and Korea Republic.
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