After yesterday's draw at the International Tennis Federation's (ITF) offices in London, the Thai team, who lost last weekend's tie against the powerful Czech Republic at the Rama Gardens Hotel, are set to play the Slovakian side for second consecutive year.

Thailand hosted last year's tie against the Slovakians at the Bangkok University campus and won 4-1 to retain their slot in the group. Slovakia was relegated to the Europe/Africa zone, which they won and returned to the play-offs.

Thai captain Vittaya Samrej predicted a tough time against the host country, whose players are expected to opt for clay courts - the Thai team's least-favoured surface.

"It's likely that clay will be their choice because it's our toughest surface. It's going to be a very difficult tie for us,'' said former Davis Cup player Vittaya.

For the first time since Thailand gained World Group status in 2004 the tie will be held away from home. The home advantages have more or less played a significant factor in helping Thailand remain in the group, but the July 15-16 tie will be different.

However, Vittaya is confident in the potential of his players and believes if they are well prepared they can challenge the more favoured Slovak team, which features world No 16 Daniela Hantuchova.

"If possible, I want everyone to practice together for two weeks so I can help fix up their game and fitness. But the problem is they have to go on tour and have different schedules,'' added Vittaya, who considered training his players on an artificial grass court which provides similar conditions to clay.

"We will have to train on an artificial grass court as it has a sand-covered surface which allows players to slide like clay. We could train at the Floraville Club where there are these type of courts,'' said Vittaya, who is expecting leading player Tamarine Tanasugarn to return to the team. The country's top player skipped the meet against the Czech Republic due to commitments with tournaments in Mexico.

For Thai No 2 Suchanan Viratprasert, playing away from home is not all bad news. A change in environment could be beneficial, she said.

"We played at home for several ties and now it's a good opportunity to play somewhere else, even it means we have to play on clay,'' said Suchanan, who added she has no problem on the slow surface.

"Any surface will be just fine for me. But I believe if my team-mates and I have enough time to get used to it, there shouldn't be a problem,'' said Suchanan, who has a solid Fed Cup record with eight wins against two defeats since 2004.

In other Group II match-ups, Canada will face Argentina, Israel will take on Indonesia and Switzerland will confront Australia.

In the World Group play-offs, Japan will play Austria, France will meet the Czech Republic, China will compete against Germany and 2005 champion Russia will host Croatia.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

The Nation