<image="1" align="left" />Australian Scott Hend's title defence at next month's Chiangmai Golf Classic in Thailand has been put on hold after the event was postponed due to the country's ongoing political tensions.
Hend won last year's inaugural Chiangmai Classic but will have to wait for an opportunity to defend his title.
Martial law was declared in Thailand last month and tournament organisers said in a statement released by the Asian Tour that the event in the northern Thai city would be rescheduled later in the year.
"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."
Former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel, US PGA Championship winner Jason Dufner of the United States, Asian Tour No.1 Kiradech Aphibarnrat were just some of the marquee players confirmed for the championship.
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.