England’s Matt Ford grabbed the early lead when the True Thailand Classic presented by Black Mountain got under way.
The 36 year old, who was set to spend the winter working for Royal Mail until he came through November’s Qualifying School at the tenth time of asking, birdied his first two holes before turning in a four under 32.
Further gains at the tenth and 11th put Ford six under with six to play at Black Mountain Golf Club, one ahead of India’s Shiv Kapur, Australian Scott Hend, Northern Ireland’s Michael Hoey and home favourite Pariya Junhasavasdikul.
The morning’s star group of Thomas Bjørn, Thongchai Jaidee and Alex Noren were all four under par through 13 holes, with last week’s winner Anirban Lahiri a shot further back.
