Australian Scott Hend's title defence at next month's Chiangmai Golf Classic in Thailand will have to wait, with the event postponed due to the country's deepening political crisis.
Martial law was declared last month and tournament organisers said on Wednesday in a statement released by the Asian Tour that the event in the northern Thai city would be rescheduled later in the year.
Australia's Hend won last year's inaugural Chiangmai Classic, which featured an appearance by South African four-time major winner Ernie Els who tied for 14th.
"Organisers of the Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT have announced the postponement of the US$750,000 ($A811,000) Asian Tour tournament scheduled at the Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai from July 3-6, 2014, to a later date this year," the statement said.
"All sponsors of the event have expressed their full support and continued commitment towards the prestigious tournament which is aimed at promoting professional golf in Thailand as well as the city of Chiangmai and Thailand."
This year's second edition was to have featured 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel, US PGA Championship winner Jason Dufner of the United States, Asian Tour No.1 Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Korean star KT Kim - a multiple winner in Japan.
Hend had been looking forward to a return to the Alpine course in Chiangmai, which served up one of three victories for him last season en route to finishing second on the Asian Tour's Order of Merit behind Aphibarnrat.
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