Saensomboonsuk, who was a member of the Thai team which won bronze at last week's Sudirman Cup, defeated Matej Hliničan of Slovakia in round one at the Nimibutr Stadium in capital city Bangkok.

The 26-year-old top seed, a former Southeast Asian Games men's singles champion, claimed a comfortable 21-16, 21-12 victory.

There was further delight for the Thai crowd when Suppanyu Avihingsanon also progressed.

Avihingsanon, who also played in the Sudirman Cup on the Gold Coast in Australia last week, claimed a 21-15, 21-7 victory over India's Rahul Yadav Chittaboina.

Joining them in round two will be second seed Marc Zwiebler.

The German, a former European champion, beat India's Aditya Joshi 21-11, 21-12.

Iskandar Zulkarnain of Malaysia sealed his place in round two with a straight games win over Harsheel Dani of India.

The ninth seed eased to a 21-14, 21-16 success.

Denmark's Emil Holst was eliminated from the competition today.

The Baku 2015 European Games silver medallist, seeded 14 in Bangkok, was beaten by Joo Ven Soong of Malaysia 21-10, 21-23, 21-16.

Action in the first round of the women's competition is due to start tomorrow while the second stage of the men's event will also take place.

Former world number one Ratchanok Intanon will be aiming for home gold in the women's event.

Now ranked number eight in the world, Intanon rose to the top of the pile last year after winning three Super Series tournaments in India, Singapore and Malaysia.

However, she suffered disappointment at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, going out in the last 16.

She has been drawn to face India's Rituparna Das in the first round of the women's singles.

The competition will take place until the finals on Sunday (June 4).