Thai shuttlers, led by world No.7 Ratchanok Intanon, are off to Nanning, China, to take part in the 16th Sudirman Cup mixed team event starting tomorrow.
Thailand reached the semi-finals two years ago when the tournament was held on Gold Coast, Australia. They lost to eventual champions South Korea 3-1 in the last four. The Koreans went on to beat China 3-2 in the title match.
Seventh seeded Thailand will begin their Group 1A campaign against Russia on Tuesday before taking on top seeded Japan a day later.
The team's first target is to qualify for the quarter-finals. They also hope to better their performance in the 2017 championship.
"The tie against Russia will be very crucial," said Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, president of the Badminton Association of Thailand.
"We will play Japan, who are the favourites to win the group, in the second match-up so beating Russia is key to our progress to the quarter-finals.
"I believe the players will give their all and do their best at the tournament. I would like to wish them the best of luck throughout the championship.
"Hopefully the fans will give their full support as well," she added.
The top two sides of each of the three-team groups advance to the knockout stage of the May 19-26 championship.
The quarter-final match-ups will be determined by a draw.
