Namchok shot 69 to finish second.

Namchok, highly rated by all his peers, was bidding to become only the second Thai player to win his national Open.

He appeared to be out of the running his with nine straight pars on the outward half but raised the hopes of the home fans by coming home in three under.

"Today I was very calm and did not feel under any pressure. The turning point was the 15th and 16th. I did not get birdies there and Liang holed his long birdie putt at the 16th," said Namchok.

Namchok won the Mercedes-Benz Tour Order of Merit title last year following two victories.

"I am very proud of my achievement in my first Thailand Open. The spectators were great – they were willing me to win. This is my best performance in an international tournament and I want to go on and represent Thailand in overseas events," added Namchok, who just missed a 45 foot birdie putt on the last to force a play-off.