Chapchai Nirat and Thanyakorn Khrongpha fired six-under-par 65s to share the first-round lead at the Boonchu Ruangkit Championship yesterday.
Chapchai Nirat
Chapchai got off to a fast start with five birdies in the first nine holes, and although he dropped a shot at the 17th he bounced back with a last-hole birdie.
Thanyakorn made seven birdies against one bogey at the par-71 Rancho Charnvee Resort and Country Club in Nakhon Ratchasima.
While Chapchai is bidding for his third title in the 2014 All Thailand Golf Tour season after his wins in Rayong and Chiang Mai, Thanyakorn is seeking his first win after good results late last year.
They were two strokes ahead of Varan Israbhakdi, Tirawat Kaewsiribandit, Namchok Tantipokhankul and Pawin Ingkhapradit.
Former Asian Tour No.1 Kiradech Aphibarnrat made a 69 and was joint 11th along with Panuphol Pittayarat and Poosit Supupramai.
Prayad Marksaeng, bidding for his second straight title on the All Thailand Golf Tour after his win in Khon Kaen last month, was tied for 22nd with Prom Meesawat and Danthai Boonma.
Two-time Asian Tour No.1 Thaworn Wiratchant struggled with a 74 with two birdies and five bogeys.
The three-million baht inaugural tournament, held to honour veteran golfer Boonchu Ruangkit, is the penultimate event on the All Thailand Golf Tour and the season opener of the Asian Development Tour (ADT).
In Bangkok, Pavarisa Yoktuan and Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong retained a one-shot lead after two rounds at the Singha-SAT Thai LPGA Championship at Panya Indra Golf Club.
Overnight leaders Pavarisa and Sherman each shot an even-par 72 for 140.
Amateur Parinda Phokan made a 67 for 141 while Chirapat Jaojavanil (72) and Ajira Nualraksa (72) were tied for fourth on 143.