Scott Hend will be one of the main drawcards when the Thailand Open returns to the Asian Tour schedule this week, the Queenslander keen to taste more success in the kingdom which has yielded three of his nine victories in Asia.

The reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit winner will be part of a strong local field battling for the title, fellow European Tour regulars Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Thongchai Jaidee the main local hopes.

There are five Australians in the field for the US$300,000 tournament, Hend joined by Terry Pilkadaris, Jake Higginbottom, Marcus Both and Scott Barr.

After being part of the On Asia Tour since 2010 the Thailand Open returns to the Asian Tour this week, a move that has drawn praise from Hend.

“There are many up and coming Thai players who all deserve a chance to win their National title,” he told the Asian Tour website in the lad-up to the tournament.

“Given the strong Thai contingent on the Asian Tour, I see it as only fitting that this tournament joins the schedule again.

“I just really enjoy playing golf in Thailand. I guess it’s because I love the food and people and I just feel comfortable there.”

While Hend will be among the favourites to take the title the week is an important one for Jake Higginbottom who come into the week off a top 10 finish in the Yeangder Heritage tournament three weeks ago.

Having earned back his card at the Q-School earlier this year, Higginbotom will be looking to consolidate his 31^st position on the Order of Merit with limited tournaments remaining in the schedule.

Only the top 60 in earnings are guaranteed to play again next year and with the next event on the schedule not until August a good performance this week will give the Sydneysider some peace of mind.