At the last games four years ago, Thai sailors won only two medals, one of them silver, from experienced skipper Damrongsak Vongtim and his crewman Sitthisak Musikkul in a Laser 420.

Veerasak Puangnak also won a bronze medal in the OK Dinghy class. However, the Thai team is expected to improve on those results at these games.

The Thai sailors have been undergoing intensive training at Dongtan Bay in Chon Buri and have taken part in several major competitions to gain experience.

They are also determined to find success at these games in honour of His Majesty the King, himself an outstanding sailor. If they do win a gold medal, they intend to present it to His Majesty to commemorate the diamond jubilee of his accession to the throne.

Team manager Rear Admiral Sunan Monthardpalin said he is certain only bad luck can prevent Thailand's sailors from winning a gold medal.

"We [the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand] believe Damrongsak Vongtim and his crew and younger brother Sakda will sail his Hobie Cat 16 to the gold medal," said Sunan.

"Damrongsak also made it two in row at the recent Asian Championships. This time, he beat his arch-rival from Singapore. This is a good sign that Damrongsak will make his mark in Doha. His chances in the Asian Games are brighter than ever."

The YRAT have also sets their sights on a podium finish by Thai sailors in the Beneteau 7.5 class, where sailors from only nine countries will battle the winds and seas on Doha Bay.

"Thai sailors are not underdogs in the Beneteau 7.5 class," added Sunan. "However, we should not underestimate teams from China and Japan, who also fared well in this event. Singapore and Malaysia also aim to win the gold medal in this category."

Among the new talent in Thai sailing is Nawee Thamasoonthorn, who dreams of winning gold in the boy's Optimist class.

In the Laser 4.7 class, which will be contested at the Asian Games for the first time, Thanakarn Korkerd hope to win a medal for the Kingdom.

The Thai sailing squad, under the watchful eye of head coach and former Topcat world champion Vinai Vongtim, comprises the Vongtim brothers - Damrongsak and Sakda in the Hobie Cat 16 and Thanakarn in a Laser 4.7 - Nawee and Benjamas Poonpat in the boys' and girls' Under-15 Optimist, Wiwat Poonpat and his crew Chaiwat Thaiking and Anan Dawchantuek and Kitisak Puyim in the Beneteau 7.5.

The sailing competition at Doha will start on December 5.

Somporn Suphop

The Nation