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Thai standout Thongchai Jaidee will embark on a dual mission over the coming fortnight when he travels the globe to chase for a record fourth Asian Tour Order of Merit crown. Thongchai, the reigning Asian number one, will compete in next week's Omega European Masters, the first event on European soil to be sanctioned by the Asian Tour, and then head to the inaugural Handa Singapore Classic with every intention of securing two top results.

With a combined US$3.2 million on offer in the coming weeks, the 40-year-old hopes to boost his current eighth place on the Order of Merit and narrow the gap on leader Noh Seung-yul of Korea.

"I am not thinking about winning the Order of Merit just yet but I am hoping to get closer through a top five finish at the Omega European Masters and Handa Singapore Classic. After that, we will see what happens," said Thongchai, who trails Noh by nearly US$380,000 in prize money.

With many more big-money events lined up in Asia at the end of the season, Thongchai is confident he can haul himself into contention for another Merit victory, which would further cement his status as one of Asia's living legends. The Iskandar Johor Open and Hero Honda Indian Open will offer US$1.25 million each, the Panasonic Open in Japan will boast a purse of US$1.5 million, the UBS Hong Kong Open will see US$2.5 million up for grabs while a whopping US$5 million is at stake at the Barclays Singapore Open.

Thongchai, who holds the most number of wins on the Asian Tour with 12 titles, will fancy his chances at the €2 million (approximately US$2.8 million) Omega European Masters from September 2-5 as he finished fifth at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club, Switzerland last year. A return to the Orchid Country Club for the US$400,000 Handa event from September 9-12 will also boost his confidence as he finished eighth at the same venue during the 1999 Singapore Open.

"Winning a tournament is always a nice feeling. Like all other events that I play in, I always do my best and try to win. One of my goals this year is to finish in the top-50 of the world rankings and it will definitely help me achieve my goal if I win the Omega European Masters this year," said the Thai.

Thongchai is a firm believer in the "horses for courses" theory. When he first stepped foot at Crans Montana, he fell in love with the exclusive ski resort town and golf course. With a Thai restaurant becoming his regular dining place, Thongchai feels right at home.

"It's a very good golf course - very scenic and beautiful. Everything is fantastic in Crans Montana, especially with the way the golf course is set up and how the players are looked after at the tournament. I hope this year will be even better. I'm really looking forward to the event," said Thongchai.

"The golf course is challenging but the location makes it even better. It's so beautiful being high up on the mountains and being surrounded by mountains. You get to appreciate the scenery but of course you still have to focus on your game. You're always going to drive the ball long due to the high altitude and it'll be important to make good putts."

Thongchai believes the strengthening of ties between the Asian Tour and European Tour, which has seen both Tours establishing EurAsia Golf Ltd to invigorate the game, will greatly enhance the international golf landscape for the years to come.

"It's good to have an Asian Tour event in Europe. The European Tour has co-sanctioned events in Asia for some time now and it's nice that our players also get to play in Europe now," he said.

As Asia's flag bearer at international events, Thongchai takes it upon himself to represent the Asian Tour well. He recognises the fact that he would not have become so successful in the game had it not been for the opportunities that he has enjoyed with the Asian Tour.

"I always try to make my country and Asia proud wherever I go," he said. "The Asian Tour has given us a lot of tournaments and supported Asian professional golfers. There are a lot of players coming up now and there is support for them through the Asian Tour. The Asian Tour has certainly become bigger over the years. There are now a lot of big events to play in. Like me, I'm trying to be at my best all the time. I am always looking forward."