Thailand star Thongchai Jaidee believes Asia can lift the Royal Trophy for the first time against Europe this week.

The double Asian Tour number one said the Asian line-up spearheaded by non-playing captain Naomichi ‘Joe' Ozaki for the third edition of the series was the best ever assembled.

"This is the best Asian squad in the competition. It will be very interesting and competitive," said Thongchai.

The other Asian stars who will carry the region's fight include Thongchai's countryman Prayad Marksaeng, who won three times in Japan last year, Korea's Charlie Wi and S.K. Ho, Chinese star Liang Wen-chong, Asia's number one in 2007, and Japan's Ryo Ishikawa, Hideto Tanihara and Toru Taniguchi.

The Europeans won the first two contests in 2006 and 2007 while the 2008 edition was postponed following a period of mourning in Thailand following the passing of the King's sister.

Thongchai is tipped to team up with his close friend Prayad in the opening foursomes session on Friday at Amata Spring Country Club as well as the fourballs on Saturday. They finished tied seventh in the Omega Mission Hills World Cup.

"I often play well when I play with Prayad," said Thongchai, Asia's number one in 2001 and 2004 and the top career earner on the Asian Tour.

Thongchai will be expected to play a big role in Asia's charge as he is in fine form following a barnstorming finish to his season last year where he won back-to-back titles in Vietnam and Cambodia. Those victories saw him equal Thaworn Wiratchant's record number of 10 victories on the Asian Tour.

"After a break, I have since started practising. I am ready for the tournament," said the 39-year-old Thongchai.