The world’s most exciting player, world number 3 Novak Djokovic will lead the field at the Thailand Open 2008 which will be held at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani from September 21 to 28.

Australian Open champion Djokovic will be joined by two-time Grand Slam champion Marat Safin and Australian Open runner up Jo-Wilfried Tsonga as well as the return of Thailand’s Paradorn Srichaphan to top tennis in the singles draw. In the doubles, local heroes and defending champions Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana will be back to defend their first ATP Tour title.

Djokovic is looking forward to a good showing at the tournament. “I remember my last trip to Bangkok to play in the Thailand Open. I was only 17 and ranked number 248 in the world. It was only my third ATP Tour event. I’m really looking forward to playing the Thailand Open again this year,” added Djokovic.

Crowd favourite Safin has enjoyed a resurgent 2008 and will be making his third appearance at the Thailand Open. He made the semi-finals in 2004 and 2006 and has proved a big hit with Thai fans on both occasions. “I always like playing the Thailand  Open and I’m looking forward to another good tournament this year,” Safin said.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has been the breakout star of 2008 reaching the final of the Australian Open – beating Gasquet, Murray and Nadal along the way – and seeing his ranking jump from #212 at the beginning of 2007 to #13. The irrepressible Frenchman will be making his first appearance at the Thailand Open.

Paradorn is aiming to put 18 months out with injury behind him with a return to top tennis in his home tournament. "My entire attention now focuses on the fitness, preparation and performing well for the tournament this year," Paradorn said. “I long for that feeling where I walk down the stairs and onto the tennis court surrounded by Thais,” he added.

Last year’s surprise doubles winners, Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana have gone on to further success in 2008 winning their second ATP Tour title in Chennai and reaching the finals in Memphis. They are keen to defend their title this year and hope for the same support they enjoyed last year. “We would like fans to come join and support us at this year’s Thailand Open,” Sonchat said.

BEC Tero Entertainment Public Co. Ltd. is once again proud to stage the only ATP Tour event in Southeast Asia and is offering last year’s ticket holders special discounts in 2008. Ticket holders from the Thailand Open 2007 will enjoy a 25% discount on tickets purchased for this year’s event. To receive the discount, just bring your tickets from last year to any branch of Thaiticketmajor.

This year tennis fans will also be able to purchase a new category of premium seats that will enable them to get closer to all the great tennis action.

Tickets for the Thailand Open start at just Bt300 and are available at all Thaiticketmajor outlets from Saturday July 19. VIP Box seats are already on sale. Call 02 262 3456 or log on to www.thailandopen.org or www.thaiticketmajor.com for more details.

> Thailand’s Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana (top and bottom) Paradorn Srichaphan (middle)