China's Zhu Lin could have a tough time defending her Thailand Open crown this year as the field is studded with big names like Poland's Magda Linette and former world No.2 Paula Badosa of Spain.
The organisers confirmed on Wednesday that the WTA-sanctioned tournament will take place from Jan 29-Feb 4 at Arena Hua Hin.
Former deputy prime minister of Thailand and honorary chairman of the country's tennis association Suwat Liptapanlop told a press conference in Bangkok on Wednesday that a number of top-ranked players would be taking part in this year's event.
"Besides defending champion Zhu Lin, Poland's world No.24 Magda Linette, who was a semi-finalist at the Australian Open last year, and former world No.2 Paula Badosa of Spain have confirmed their participation in the tournament," said Suwat.
"The other top players in the event will be Wang Xinyu, Maria Tatjana, Sherif Mayar, Yulia Putintseva and Anna Karolina Schmiedlova.
"Hua Hin is a major tourist attraction and Thailand Open has traditionally attracted some world-class players in the past. This is the fourth edition of the tournament which be televised live to the world.
"Once again this year, the organisers will arrange special activities to showcase the Thai culture, cuisines and the country's martial arts."
Thailand's former world No.9 in men's singles rankings Paradorn Srichaphan will act as the organising director of the tournament.
Paradorn said: "This year, we will be granting some of the talented Thai tennis players wildcards to take part in the event.
"They include 19-year-old Lanlana Tararudee, who is ranked No.258 in the world. She has been given a wildcard to the main draw.
"Three players have been given the wildcards to the qualifying round. They are Thasaporn Naklo (No.415), Thai-Russian Viera Deeperm (No.2,041) and Lydea Podkorichanee, another Thai-Russian player.
"We hope these players will gain good experience from the event."