Koh Samui: Thai veterans Prayad Marksaeng and Thaworn Wiratchant will be trying to become the first three-time winner of the Queen's Cup this week.
Reigning champion Scott Hend of Australia, meanwhile, is aiming to become the first player to successfully defend the title when the US$500,000 (17 million baht) Asian Tour event starts today at the Santiburi Samui Country Club.
Thaworn, 50, won the tournament in 2012 and 2014, while Prayad, 51, was crowned champion in 2013 and 2015.
"I'm feeling confident that I will go to Samui to aim for my third win. It has always been my dream to win the Queen's trophy," said Thaworn.
"I always like to play at Santiburi Samui. The layout suits my game. I will try to create my best performance there again."
He holds the most number of victories on the Asian Tour with 18 titles and, despite turning 50 last December, he still believes he can compete against the new generation of golfers.
Prayad will be seeking his back-to-back titles after winning the Starts Senior Golf Tournament in Japan on Sunday.
Long-hitting Hend, who is the reigning Asian Tour No.1, will shoot for his 10th victory on the region's premier tour against a stellar line-up which includes eight of the top-10 players from the Order of Merit.
"It'll be the same attitude as last year, play what's in front of you and try to judge the wind well," said Hend.
"This golf course is always tricky. However, I've proved last year that I can win on a tricky golf course."
Thai rising stars Phachara Khongwatmai, Rattanon Wannasrichan and Jazz Janewattananond are also in the field.
They will be ready to throw in their challenge at the par-71 course which rewards straight shooting from the tee and a calm head on the shoulders.
Phachara, 18, is keen to emulate Jazz and Rattanon, who claimed their maiden Asian Tour victories this season at the Bangladesh Open and the Thailand Open respectively.
"I'm not thinking about getting a win. I'm just going to try to play my best golf," said Phachara.
"This is a big tournament for all of us. I really like this course as it's challenging. I'm feeling good about the week."
With two runner-up finishes this season, Malaysian Gavin Green will be keen to get his breakthrough win in Samui.