A pressurized cooling system can go as high as 115°C without boiling. In one of my previous vehicles, I was constantly hitting 105 to 108°C while stuck bumper-to-bumper in hot weather.

The TS' issue is likely the fan motor not working unless the A/C is turned on. Definitely an electrical problem... I'd start with the ECT or fan thermostat, whichever is equipped on his car. Also the relays, any fuses.