The former Thai LPGA Tour winner fired four birdies on holes No. 2, 9, 13, and 16, only to drop two shots on No. 5 and 18, heading into the final round at four under-par- 140 on the par-72, 6,474-yard landscape. She was two shots clear of the 32-year-old Punpaka, a one-time winner on the tour.

“I shot scores and lost some today. I was not pleased with my round compared to yesterday as I had to get out of trouble several times,” said Budsabakorn after her second straight 70.

“Fortunately, I did a pretty good job of fighting my way back. I remained composed throughout the game. While I am getting used to the fairways, reading the lies on the greens is still tricky,” added the Chiang Rai-born player who hopes to end her long drought of Thai LPGA titles since her last win in Chiang Mai six years ago."

"I need to practice my tee shots more as I missed a lot of fairways. My plan for the final round is to hit as many fairways as possible to set up good shots from favorable positions. As for my putting game, it will depend on where I land on the greens. I will have to assess the situation and make adjustments accordingly,” the two-time Thai LPGA victor said.

The last time the 25-year-old former LPGA member lifted up a trophy was when she won an JLPGA Step Up Tour event back in 2019. However, she plans to enter the final round with a pressure-free attitude, as high expectations could potentially set back her game."

“I don’t want to expect so high in the final round. Anything can happen. All I need to do is to remain committed to what I have to do and remain focused. The course sets up pretty tough for everyone,” she said.

Punpaka recovered from a bogey on No. 4 to notch three birdies on No. 6, 9, and 14 for a 70, bringing her two-day total to three under-par-141. She will be striving to end her long title drought since winning her only Thai LPGA title in Bangkok back in 2015

Sitting two shots off the lead were Phannarai Meesom-us and Thanita Muangkhamsakul. Each shot a 70 and will start the Friday’s final day on 142.

The Thailand Ladies Professional Golf Association provides an opportunity for both professional and amateur golfers not only to hone their talents, but also to accumulate points for the Thai LPGA rankings and Order pf Merits, and for the Rolex World Ranking points, which can open doors for their professional pursuit on a worldwide scale. The Thai LPGA Tour is supported by the Sports Authority of Thailand, National Sports Development Funds, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), BG Container Glass, Pathumthani Glass Industry, Boon Rawd Trading, Central Group, Leonian (Thailand), Muang Thai Life Assurance, Nikon Sales Thailand, AIS PLAY, Nestle (Thai) and Ubolratana Dam Golf Course

The Thai LPGA tournament is competed in a three-day stroke play format for a total of 54 holes. The tour features ranking points for the 2023 Thai LPGA Tour Order of Merits, 2023 Thai LPGA Tour points and the Rolex Women’s World Golf Ranking points.