When Chatchapong Nasa moves to the UK for the first time this month to start his journey as a professional on the World Snooker Tour, he will not be short of help and advice from fellow Thai players who have trodden the same path.
James Wattana was the first player from the 'Land of Smiles' to make an impact at the top level of snooker - he became a national hero in the 1990s, winning three ranking titles and twice reaching the semi-finals at the Crucible. That inspired a generation of Thai players, including Thepchaiya Un-Nooh and Noppon Saengkham who between them have 27 seasons of experience playing on the tour.
"Both Thepchaiya and Noppon have played an important role in my success," said Nasa through his interpreter and manager Mike. "When they come back to Thailand during the off season, they come to the academy to train players including me. They always give good advice, not only to improve skills on the table, but how to deal with pressure and improve mental strength. In two weeks I will travel to the UK with Thepchaiya, and his wife Nick is helping me with the work permit and visa application. I have to thank to Thepchaiya and Noppon for the support they are giving me."
Nasa, from the Kanchanaburi Province in western Thailand, first picked up a cue at the age of eight and has been focussed on snooker since he was 13. Now 27, it has taken him some 14 years to achieve his goal of joining the World Snooker Tour. That triumphant moment came at Asia-Oceania Q School last month when he beat Liu Linhao 4-0 in the final round of event one. Having practised up to eight hours a day in the build up to the tournament in Bangkok, his hard work paid off as he won six consecutive matches, conceding just five frames.
"It will be very exciting to play as professional because it has been my dream since I was very young," he said. "I was confident before the final match and when I potted the last pink to earn my tour card it was an amazing feeling because my dream was fulfilled."
Inevitably, Nasa will gravitate towards Sheffield - the centre of the snooker universe - and will be based at Victoria's Academy, where he will not be short of top class practice partners, including World Champion Zhao Xintong. He is aware he will need to learn fast when he makes the giant leap up to the pro tour.
"I will try my best to get into the top 64 and get into the last 16 of some major events," added Nasa, who names Judd Trump as his favourite player. "My best assets are stamina and mental strength. But sometimes I think too much and chose the wrong shot at a key moment."
Alongside Un-Nooh, Saengkham, Mink Nutcharut and Sunny Akani, Nasa will at least have plenty of support from the tour's Thai community as he takes his first steps in a challenging new world.