Scott Hend returns to the scene of the first of three 2013 victories on the Asian Tour when he tees up at this week’s Chiangmai Golf Classic in Thailand.

The in form Queenslander, whose 2013 was easily his best as a Professional, has gone up a gear this year and having earned a European Tour card with a win in Hong Kong last month comes to Thailand with plenty of confidence.

Hend came from six shots back in the final round here last year thanks to a stunning 8-under 64 and in current form is likely to be in the mix again come Sunday against a field that includes Jason Dufner and Charl Schwartzel.

There are 12 Australians teeing up in Chiangmai including Terry Pilkadaris, Jake Higinbottom, Kieran Pratt and Scott Barr.

Pilkadaris will be looking to atone for a poor weekend after a good start last week in India and at 56^th on the Order of Merit with just five events to go and only the top 60 guaranteed to keep their cards for 2015 he needs a good result.

Also needing to cash a good cheque is Jake Higinbottom who has played just five events in Asia this year and is currently outside the top 60.

Kieran Pratt (47) and Scott Barr (49) are among 10 Australians who play full time in Asia to be in the top 60.

Cameron Smith is the highest ranked at 4^th followed by Hend (6), Marcus Both (19), Unho Park (25), Adam Groom (28) and Andrew Dodt (41) with Sam Brazel precariously placed in 58^th.