SIGHTING: Nadal makes a tour of it in Thailand

Rafael Nadal finally hit the practice court after winging it into Thailand and taking a lengthy vacay with family and friends. He has a bye into the second round of Bangkok and was drawn to face a qualifier on Thursday.

Before returning to the courts, though, the World No. 1 participated in an anti-global warming project called "One Million Trees for the King" which featured a tree-planting ceremony in Hua Hin in honor of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej today. He'll be visiting with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva at the Government House tomorrow.

Over the weekend Rafa traveled to a beach in the Prachuab Khirikhan province and offered lotus flowers to a Buddhist monk. He doesn't speak much about his spirituality but recently gave some insight to Sports Illustrated's Jon Wertheim on his beliefs:

"It's hard to say, 'I don't believe in God'" said the 24-year old. "I would love to know if God exists. But it's a very difficult thing for me to believe. I don't know. It's private and I don't want to speak about it, but I say, "If God exists, you don't need [to cross yourself] or pray." If God exists, he's intelligent enough to [do] the important things, the right things."

More images from the practice and the tree-planting ceremony after the jump (click the headline y'all.)

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[Photo(s): AP, AFP PHOTO / PORNCHAI KITTIWONGSAKUL, BEC-TERO Entertainment Public Co. Ltd]