The 40-year-old Thaworn has a remarkable record in the team format after leading the Asian team to victory two times on the trot in 2003 and 2005 against Japan in the Dynasty Cup.

However the veteran, who catapulted himself into prominence with a series of breath-taking performances in 2005, failed to keep his winning streak in the Royal Trophy last January as Europe held off a late surge to clinch a narrow 9-7 victory.

Thaworn is determined to redeem himself and prove that the Amata Spring Country Club is not a hunting ground for the Europeans.

Thaworn said he worked hard to achieve success in team golf as the level of appeal and the passion is not found in individual play.

"We play a lot of stroke play events every year, where you play for yourself. The "team aspect" of the Royal Trophy is great. It gives us, the Asian players, a chance to play for a team. The Europeans and the Americans have had this opportunity for so many years with the Ryder Cup," he said

"And you can see the emotions that the Ryder Cup generates from the players and the fans. The Royal Trophy is our chance to come together as a team representing all of Asia. We succeed or fail together - we need each other and we will fully support each other. I am so excited about playing with my team-mates and to fight very hard to win," said Thaworn, who also has personal point to prove following a winless season last year.

Although the prospect of facing world-class players in the star-studded European line-up undoubtedly looks to be a daunting task, Thaworn insisted he would not be fazed by competing against some of the sport's best.

"These guys are the Ryder Cup holders. They not only beat the Americans at the K Club - they beat them very convincingly. They are great team players. They have a lot of experience, they are good at match play and they are great on the "pairs" - the foursomes and the four-balls.

"But this really is what is exciting for me. Here we are facing a very tough task but this is also a lifetime opportunity. If we can defeat the Europeans right here in Thailand - this will be a real moment! It will be something that the eight of us in the team and captain Joe Ozaki will have with us forever," said Thaworn.

Asked who could be the main threat to Asia's efforts to dethrone, Thaworn said it was difficult to single out anyone.

"Paul McGinley has never lost while playing for Europe. Lee Westwood has played very well in Asia in the past and has not lost in his last 10 matches in Ryder Cup competition. And Darren Clarke won all of his three matches at the K Club. They are all dangerous."

Thaworn said the Asians are capable of defeating their opponents. "Thongchai [Jaidee], Jeev [Milkha Singh] and I have won European Tour events.

"We know that on a good day, we can beat the very best European players. A lot of factors will come into play and I believe that we have a good chance of winning."