Europe's top players will probably get a sinking feeling when they see the overwhelming support Thai stars Thonghcai Jaidee and Prayad Marksaeng are certain to attract at this week's Royal Trophy.

That is bound to evoke painful memories of how local golfers Kenny Perry and J.B.Holmes enlisted the home supporters as their 'extra man' as the USA scored a shock Ryder Cup victory over Europe in September. The two Kentucky players were the heartbeat of the American team, whipping the Louisville crowds into a patriotic frenzy.

They also played their part on the course, helping the Americans seize the initiative early on. And the home team built on their excellent start to run out worthy winners.

Thongchai and Prayad will not be as demonstrative as the USA duo – but unlike Holmes and Perry they are certain to play together, and that will be enough to set the tone for the whole contest. Much will be expected of the Thai stars, and not just because the contest is again being staged in their 'backyard', at Bangkok's exclusive Amata Spring Country Club.

They are both coming into the Event in a rich vein of form. Thongchai finished 2008 in a blaze of glory with victories at the Vietnam Masters, and the Cambodian Open. Prayad went one better with a hat-trick of victories on the Japan Golf Tour, winning the Mitsubishi Diamond Cup Golf, the Gateway to the Open Mizuno Open, and the Dunlop Phoenix Tournament.

They also have the benefit of knowing each other's games inside out – and the confidence that comes from the fact that they could hardly be more compatible on and off the golf course. The Thai golfers are close friends and have great respect for each other's talent.

And after representing Thailand at the World Cup of Golf for the past two years, they have gained invaluable experience of team golf. The World Cup involves two rounds of fourballs and two more of foursomes - and the Royal Trophy will feature both formats, before climaxing in a series of eight
singles on Sunday.

After finishing a creditable 15th against the game's most powerful golfing nations in 2007, Thongchai and Prayad improved into a share of seventh two months ago, combining for a dazzling eight under par 64 in the second round of the four-ball matches. Thongchai admitted he and Prayad have bonded even more closely by playing for their country. And he is hoping that will be the springboard to success when the Royal Trophy tees off on Friday.