The Thai squad are expected to win in the men's individual and team events and the women's individual competition. "I have confidence in three events particularly the men's competitions," Rungsrid Luxitanond, president of the Thailand Golf Association, said yesterday.
"Every man is in good form and can win gold if they can play to their standard during the tournament."
In the men's team, Thailand made a late change with Chanachoke Aphirattanamongkol replacing Nattawat Suvajanakorn who is injured.
The other three men are Poom Saksansin, Natipong Srithong and Rattanon Wannasrichan.
The women's team feature Pinrat Loomboonruang, Panitta Yusabai and Pavarisa Yoktuan.
"In the women's event, Pinrat is one of the favourites to win the women's individual title," Rungsrid said.
"In the women's team competition, the Philippines and Indonesia are the teams to beat."
Thailand coach Gerry Norquist said his players were fit physically and mentally and that any of his men could win the individual title.
But he refused to predict how many gold medals his squad would win as this could put extra pressure on himself and the athletes.
Instead, he said he would try to motivate them to win in every event.
"Rungsrid's prediction will not put us under pressure," said the American who has been with the team since November 2009.
It is difficult to predict golf results because it is a battle between players and the course, he said.
Singpapore and the Philippines could be Thailand's toughest opponents in the men's and women's events respectively while Indonesia could be a surprise package thanks to home field advantage, Norquist said.
The golf tournament will be held at Jagorawi Country Club in Jakarta. The Thai team will fly to Indonesia on Friday.
Thailand swept all four gold medals at the 24th SEA Games on home soil in Nakhon Ratchasima in 2007 and took two golds and two silvers at the previous tournament in Laos in 2009.
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