Thaworn Wiratchant carded a superb nine-under 61 to take the clubhouse lead after the first round of the Singapore Classic was suspended due to darkness on Thursday, while a trio of Australians made solid starts.
The Thai took a two-shot lead after holing 10 birdies and a bogey at the Orchid Country Club, with American David Lipsky second at seven-under.
Thunderstorms in the afternoon forced two lengthy suspensions of play, with 78 players unable to complete their rounds.
Scott Barr, Kieran Pratt and Unho Park are the best-placed Australians, having finished at three-under.
Thaworn, a 12-time winner on the Asian Tour, would have set a course record if the preferred lies ruling was not in play in the opening round.
The 45-year-old was in a confident mood after his stellar round, and said he was hoping to build on his strong start.
"There was never any pressure for me out there. When I stepped up to the tee today, I was already feeling very confident and I had a good feeling about my round today," Thaworn said.
"This course suits my game and I'm looking forward to the rest of the week."
Lipsky continued his fine form in his rookie season after carding a polished 63, while a quartet of players are at four-under.
Americans Jonathan Moore and Samuel Cyr are joined by Malaysian Shaaban Hussin and Chinese Taipei's Lu Wei-Chih.
Lu, who shot the first hole-in-one of the event on the par-three 13th, and Moore are yet to complete their rounds.
Moore has only played nine holes, while Lu is through 12 after starting on the back nine.