As a joint venture between Paradorn and marketing firm globalmouth.com, the website offers subscribers services such as recorded messages to their mobile-phone from the tennis star, his personal ringtones, wallpapers and news via SMS.

However, only the ringtones and wallpapers are currently available while the Backstage Call service and news updates will be in service in the next two weeks.

"I wanted to launch this website so big fans or ordinary fans can get news and personal life updates directly from me. I hope they will respond well to this website and even if they don't, it will be OK as it's just something I want to do to thank them," said the world No 41.

Monthly charges, which will be paid through subscribers' phone bills, vary from Bt30, Bt40 and Bt60 depending on the package.

The all-inclusive Bt60 package allows fans to enjoy all services including Backstage Call, a mobile-phone service that allows fans to hear a personal voice message from him at least once a week.

"Fans who subscribe will hear message from him just two minutes after he leaves his message. So thousands of fans can get non-filter messages directly from Paradorn, which is unique in the market," said Steffen Greiner, chief executive of Globalmouth International AG.

Paradorn admitted he was prepared for some negative comments from fans through the webboard, which will be added later.

"It's something inevitable when you decide to launch your own webpage. I just have to welcome their opinion," added Paradorn who will lead Thailand to the Davis Cup-tie against Japan this weekend at the Rama Gardens Hotel.  

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

The Nation