THAILAND

Pride on show as Lion Tail Ben raises himself from the pack

Spectrum, John Rogerson, Published on 10/07/2016

» He's the slum kid who once boasted, "I can write my own name." And he learned how to spell. That was a while ago, when he was six. He's 20 now, and his aptitude and fine penmanship served him well during the 18 months he served in juvenile prison. He'd pen letters for prisoners and guards -- a skill and a favour earning him "an edge" in a place where edges save you.