Thongchai Jaidee says becoming a father for the second time was the catalyst for his storming finish to the 2008 season, which saw him record thrilling back-to-back wins in December.

The Thai hero smiled broadly as he explained: "When there is an extra mouth to feed, you realise you have to play well! But it was no coincidence that I played my best golf just when my second son arrived safely. Even when everyone tells you it is all going perfectly before the birth, it is still on your mind.

"The baby coming made me feel more relaxed, more content. When you can play golf with a smile on your face you usually play better. I could not have been happier with the way I played in December."

Thongchai's second son - appropriately named Champion - was born on December 5, just as he was completing his second round at the Vietnam Masters. He celebrated by winning the title after a tense three man play-off, and then made a whistle stop visit to Thailand to give the baby a kiss before flying on to compete in the Cambodian Open.

There was no need for a play-off this time, as Thongchai turned in a dazzling performance. He posted rounds of 68-66-64-66 to charge to 24 under par, winning by a massive six shots.

He could not be going into this week's Royal Trophy at the exclusive Amata Spring Country Club in Bangkok in better form, or in a better frame of mind.

He added: "Everything in life seems perfect. The new baby is so good that I have not had a single sleepless night since I got home from Cambodia. It was the same with my first son, Bank. It is good that they listen to their father when I tell them it is time to sleep!

"Now I would like continue playing my best golf during the Royal Trophy, in front of our own Thai spectators. After winning twice I am naturally confident about my game, and I am looking forward to teaming up with my friend Prayad Marksaeng, or anyone else Joe Ozaki, our Asian Captain, wants me to play with.

"We are blessed that so many players in the Asian Team had very successful seasons in 2008 - Prayad, of course, S.K.Ho, Hideto Tanihara, Liang Wen-chong, and Ryo Ishikawa all won tournaments. I feel this is the best team we have chosen for the Royal Trophy, but Europe will be very strong again as well. So it should be a great match.

"However, we must not under-estimate them. I know from playing on the European Tour just how difficult it is to win there. They still have eight outstanding players and they deserve to be respected. But I have a good feeling about this week."

Thongchai's feel-good factor is helped by the fact that his son was born on King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 81st Birthday. The Thai Head of State donated the perpetual Trophy that Asia and Europe will do battle for this week, and Thongchai believes his son's birth date could prove to be a good omen. He added: "Perhaps that is a sign that this is our lucky year. I certainly hope so because it would be good to keep the mood of celebration going.

"The Royal Trophy is becoming more and more popular. Lately, wherever I go people wish me good luck at the Royal Trophy. It would be great to reward their loyalty and their support with a first Asian win. We will all be trying our hardest to make that happen."