Thailand will host the Fed Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tournament next month, organisers said yesterday.
Organisers and players at yesterday's press conference.
The eight-team event will be held at True Arena Hua Hin from Feb 3-6, said Suwat Liptapanlop, president of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand.
Thailand are in Group A along with Japan, India and Uzbekistan, while Group B features Kazakhstan, China, South Korea and Taiwan.
After a round-robin first-round competition, the top two teams will meet in the final with the winners advancing to the World Group II play-offs.
The last team of each group will meet with the winners remaining in Asia/Oceania Group I and the losers relegated.
Thailand will be led by world No.167 Luksika Kumkhum, who lost to Petra Kvitova in the Australian Open on Monday.
The other Thai players will be young stars including No.361 Peangthan Pliphuech, according to Suwat.
"We have decided to use young players for them to gain experience,'' he said.
Suwat admitted that it was tough for Thailand to win the tournament but was confident that the Thais would remain in Asia/Oceania Group I.
Thailand initially wanted veteran star Tamarine Tanasugarn to be captain but she is not available as she has to look after her mother who is ill.
Pacharapol Kamsaman has been appointed captain instead.