Stephen Hendry will make appearances in Bangkok, Koh Samui and Pattaya

English snooker star Stephen Hendry set to cue up in Bangkok

Former world snooker champion Stephen Hendry, one of the sport's all-time greats, is set to arrive in Thailand for a week-long roadshow, due to start on Monday.

The Edinburgh-born legend will make 16 one-hour appearances around the country - eight in Bangkok - in a visit sponsored by John Smith's and Strongbow.

The 39-year-old star will host a question-and-answer session at each event and sign autographs. It is also possible he will demonstrate trick shots at some venues.

There will be giveaways of polo shirts and T-shirts, while John Smith's beer and Strongbow cider will be available at special prices.

No 8 in the world

Hendry, currently ranked eighth in the world with career earnings of more than £8 million (Bt505 million), is one of the most successful players in the history of snooker and some critics regard him as the greatest-ever player.

He was beaten by Ronnie O'Sullivan in the semi-finals of the world championships this month.

Hendry became a professional at 16 and became the youngest world champion at 21. He has lifted the world title a record seven times, with his last success in 1999.

He spent a record eight successive years as world number one and his collection of 65 professional titles is bettered only by Steve Davis, who has 73. Along with Davis, Hendry shares the distinction of having been a top-16 player for 20 seasons.

The Scot has earned a reputation for his break-building consistency and has totted up more than 700 competitive century breaks.

His ability as a long potter has allowed him to be aggressive early in frames and attempt shots that few players would take on.

The cue Hendry used to win his seven world titles was broken in the hold of an aircraft as he flew back to Scotland from the Thailand Open in 2003. He had used it since he was 14 and it cost only £40 (Bt2,500).

His provisional roadshow itinerary, which is subject to change, is:

Monday, May 19: Bangkok - The Robin Hood, Sukhumvit Soi 33/1, 6pm; Bully's, between Sukhumvit Soi 2 and 4, 8pm.

Tuesday, May 20: Bangkok - The Dubliner, between Sukhumvit Soi 22 and 24, 5pm; The Black Swan, next to Asoke Skytrain station, 6.30pm; Jameson's, Silom Road, 8.30pm; Duke of Wellington, Silom Road, 10pm.

Wednesday, May 21: Koh Samui.

Thursday, May 22: Pattaya.

Friday, May 23: Bangkok - Soi 8 Pub, Sukhumvit Soi 8, 5pm; New Wave Bar, Sukhumvit Soi 7, 6.30pm.