Soldiers and royals

Shining examples: As well as producing fine players, Thailand is also home to one of the only officially approved boule-making factories outside France. — AFP

BANGKOK: On a shaded practice court in the sticky heat of rainy season in Bangkok, Ratchata Khamdee half-crouches, pauses and launches a petanque boule at the jack.

Aged just 20, he is already a double world champion, the latest winner to come off Thailand’s production line of top petanque players.