A month after creating a sensation with his biggest title, the Singapore Open, the Thai star, now ranked eighth in the world, will return to action hoping to maintain the form that earned him a victory over world No 1 Lin Dan of China in Singapore.

But Boonsak will not depart Bangkok on Friday with a "free mind" as his thoughts will be on his mother, who has been receiving treatment for rheumatism.

"When I first knew she was sick, I was worried. But a doctor insisted it was not serious. I hope she gets back to normal so I won't have to worry much,'' said Boonsak, who was raised by his mother after his father passed away many years ago.

"I'm trying not to worry too much because I have a responsibility to my country. I'm going to play in the Sudirman Cup although I'm concerned about my mother's condition," added Boonsak, who will lead a team of 11 players including former mixed doubles world No 1 Sudket Prakamol and Saralee Thungthongkam.

Saralee, who currently shares the No 3 spot with her partner, has not fully recovered from a back injury but will give everything to help Thailand reach the semi-finals.

"I'm getting better now but I'm not 100 per cent. My goal is to win as many matches as possible because we want to make it to the quarter-finals,'' said the doubles expert.

Thailand have drawn a tough group that features top seed China, fourth-seed Malaysia and England. Badminton Association of Thailand president Professor Charoen Wattanasin expected his side to win at least a match against England in the star-studded pool.

"China will be too tough to beat while the ability of the Malaysian players is better than ours. So our aim is to beat England and finish third in the group and battle for fifth or sixth position in the tournament," he said.