Piya Swangarunporn surged up to sixth place on the Asian Tour's money list after finishing runner-up at the True Thailand Classic presented by Chang in Hua Hin on Sunday.
The unheralded Thai fired an amazing course-record 63 at Black Mountain to finish one shot behind Australia's Scott Hend in second place.
However, he took home his career's biggest cheque of US$194,990 for the runner-up spot.
"It is a big day for my career and I hope to play more big tournaments like this one in the future because this week has given me a lot of confidence," said Piya.
Hend continued to show why he remains as the most successful international player on the Asian Tour following his latest victory at the Thailand Classic, which was also sanctioned by the European Tour.
The big-hitting Australian used his known long drives effectively en route to winning his eighth title on the Asian Tour.
With the win, he becomes the highest-ranked international player on the total career earning list with his seventh placing.
Hend's total earnings of slightly over $3.3 million since he first claimed his Asian Tour card through the qualifying school in 2007 have also given him the belief that he is ready to raise his benchmark even higher.
"This is a great win and I would love to try and kick on now and get another win, try and qualify for the [British] Open and also try and get into the match play and see if I can do anything against the top 50 in the world," said Hend.
Hend moved up to 79th place on the world rankings and fourth on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
Australia's Marcus Frasers remains on top of the Order of Merit with earnings of $516,260 while the Philippines' Miguel Tabuena is second after a season haul of $315,821.25.
The Asian Tour now moves on to India for the $1.66 million Hero Indian Open which takes place at the Delhi Golf Club this week.