Thongchai Jaidee takes a swing (COURTEST OF ROYAL TROPHY)

Thailand golf-star Thongchai Jaidee will finish off one of the most successful years of his career to date by making a sixth appearance at the Royal Trophy during its seventh edition on December 20-22 at the Dragon Lake Golf Club in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province. His appearance will make him the golfer to have competed at the Royal Trophy the most times, putting him one appearance ahead of Japanese golfer Ryo Ishikawa – who will team up alongside Thongchai – and European ace Henrik Stenson.

Thongchai and Stenson squared up during the Singles portion of the inaugural Royal Trophy in 2006, and later fought one of the most memorable matches witnessed during the competition at the climax to the 2010 edition. Stenson holed a clutch putt on the final hole to square the match, scoring Europe a nail-biting 8½ -7½ victory.

Thongchai showed just how much it means to him to represent Asia, as he looked almost inconsolable after Stenson clawed his way back from three down with eight holes remaining.

However, it was a different story a year earlier, when the Thai golfer's stellar performance helped Asia take their first Royal Trophy victory. He scored the maximum possible three points, teaming up with fellow countryman Prayad Marksaeng in the Fourballs and Foursomes event before overwhelming Paul McGinley, Europe's current Ryder Cup captain, in the Singles.

These all helped his team secure a 10-6 win, and after missing out on Asia's thrilling play-off triumph last year when the teams tied 8-8, Thongchai is determined to help them retain the Royal Trophy for the first time.

Thai golfer Thongchai Jaidee eyeing up the green (COURTEST OF ROYAL TROPHY)

"Playing for Asia in the Royal Trophy for the sixth time is incredible and I am committed to being fully prepared and to play my heart out to secure a victory for our continent," said Thongchai.

It is a competition that is close to Thongchai's heart given its roots in his country, and the fact that the spectacular 16-kg solid-silver Royal Trophy itself was donated by the His Majesty the King of Thailand.

"The Royal Trophy is for Asia what the Ryder Cup is for Europe. I take enormous pride in this competition and we will not allow the Europeans to get their hands on the Trophy," he said. "It is a very important mandate and it is something I will fight for with all my ability and with the utmost determination."

The five-times European Tour winner has just enjoyed his best year so far on that circuit, breaking into the top ten on their Order of Merit for the first time, finishing ninth overall.

"Thongchai Jaidee is a highly accomplished player and one of the most successful in Asian golf history. His record at the Royal Trophy speaks for itself," said the Royal Trophy Managing Director Lincoln Venancio.

China's top player, Liang Wenchong, will also play for Asia this edition of the Royal Trophy, along with Korean "match-play" specialist K.T. Kim, the man whose birdie during 'overtime' earned Asia their stunning victory last year.