Former world No.9 Paradorn Srichaphan has started doing his bit to help the kingdom regain its lost glory in international tennis but says it might take the country as many as 10 years to produce a new star.
Paradorn was the first Asian player to break into the top 10 in the world men's singles rankings 15 years ago.
It was considered as the golden era of Thai tennis as Tamarine Tanasugarn was ranked among the top 20 in the world women's singles rankings and Danai Udomchoke also produced impressive results in some international men's singles events.
Danai won the men's singles gold medal at the 2006 Asian Games.
The standard of Thai players has since nosedived at an alarming rate and the rot is continuing.
There were some fleeting moments of joy like when Noppawan Lertcheewakarn became the junior champion at Wimbledon in 2009. Noppawan, however, failed to live up to her promise after turning professional.
Paradorn, who retired in 2010 due to a recurring wrist injury, has now opened a tennis academy in Hua Hin for players aged 12-13 years to help lay down strong foundations for them.
"We also have Danai, Tamarine and twins Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana who have the experience of competing in many major tournaments. These people should come and help the new generation," said Paradorn.
"I don't mean that the present coaches are not qualified, but if we want to develop tennis to the professional level we would need people who have the experience of being through many international tournaments."
He added that nowadays most players were focused on becoming a part of the national team, taking part in some minor international events in Thailand and getting themselves enrolled in universities.
"I cannot say how long it will take to produce another outstanding player but it could be as long as 10 years," said the former world No.9.
"As far as the national teams are concerned, there is no player at the moment who is good enough to become a top tennis player. I don't blame anyone, because it is the players who have to raise their level by training hard."