Thailand will take on hosts Kazakhstan in their opening tie of the Fed Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group 1 battles in Astana today.
Thailand Fed Cup captain Vitthaya Sumrej yesterday had no hesitation in labelling his team as "underdogs" for the clash with the host nation.
"Kazakhstan have named two top-100 players in their squad," said Vittaya after overseeing a team training session. Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva is ranked No.43 in the world and they also have world No.96 Zarina Diyas in their line-up.
Vittaya added: "We'll have to choose highly experienced players for this match and we will delay the submission of team players' names for as long as we can. We want to make sure that we pick the right players for the match.
"Of course, we have to accept that we are the underdogs.
"We also have the disadvantage of playing away, but we are confident that our experienced players will deliver.
"Our chances are very slim but we do have hopes of taking a point from Kazakhstan."
Coach Akkrasit Thepkasitkul said: "Right now, we don't know who will play for the hosts, so we cannot devise our game plan and pick players for the match.
"I believe that it will be a tough tie as the home team players will bring out their best form.
"We don't want to pressure our players too much because we have another tough match against India on Thursday [tomorrow]. India have two top-200 players but our players have played with them many times. We can beat them.
"We hope to finish second in this group to stay in Group 1 of Asia/Oceania Zone next year."
The members of the Thai team are Peangtarn Plipuech (world No.297), Punnin Kovapitukted (657), Nudnida Luangnam (712), Varunya Wongteanchai (585 in doubles) and Mananchaya Sawangkaew. Thailand No.1 Luksika Kumkhum is not taking part in the Fed Cup.