MACAU BODYGUARDS: RECONVERSION IS THE HARDEST FIGHT FOR A MUAY THAI FIGHTER!
MACAU BODYGUARDS:
RECONVERSION IS THE HARDEST FIGHT FOR A MUAY THAI FIGHTER!
BY SERGE TREFEU
In the 1990s, great Muay Thai champions in Thailand were able to turn their success in the ring into financial prosperity. By investing their money in profitable businesses, they ensured a stable future for their families after the end of their sports careers.
This exemplary journey, however, was not accessible to all boxers. Many, after dedicating their lives to training and competitions, find themselves without sufficient resources to live comfortably once their careers are over.
Faced with these prospects, many boxers have tried their luck abroad to become trainers. By teaching their art outside Thailand, in countries such as Japan, the United States, and several European nations, some have managed to improve their financial situation considerably.
This choice allowed the best of them to continue to live from their passion while enjoying much higher incomes, in countries where Muay Thai was booming and where the craze for traditional Thai techniques attracted a large audience of practitioners.
Some former Muay Thai fighters have seized the opportunity to work in Macau, famous for its casinos and electric atmosphere around gambling and entertainment.
Macau, often called the “Las Vegas of the Orient”, has attracted thousands of visitors who come to try their luck, creating a strong demand for security in this environment of great affluence and considerable financial transactions.
Casino and club owners in Macau have therefore set up a recruitment pipeline for these ex-fighters, whose fighting skills made them ideal candidates for protection positions.
Many former Muay Thai champions have thus found new careers as doormen, bodyguards or security officers, a respected and well-paid role in this gambling environment.
In the 1990s, Macau was a hotbed of the gaming industry, largely controlled by the Chinese mafia. They oversaw not only the casinos, but also many other lucrative businesses, such as liquor stores and nightclubs. In this world where power and influence were often protected by formidable forces, the Chinese mafia had a strong inclination to hire Thai boxers with experience in Muay Thai.
Muay Thai’s reputation in Asia was at its peak, known as the most violent and effective martial art. At that time, MMA and free fight style fighting had not yet reached the global notoriety of today. The Thai discipline embodied formidable martial know-how, and a professional Muay Thai fighter was seen as a man capable of handling complex situations and defusing conflicts quickly and decisively.
These ex-boxers thus became the ideal henchmen, considered not only for their physical abilities, but also for their calm and discipline, two essential qualities in this environment where order had to be maintained without fail.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Macau nightlife had a sulphurous and dangerous reputation. Then under Portuguese administration, Macau was a territory where Chinese triads exercised an omnipresent influence, notably the infamous 14K Triad, led by Wan Kuok-koi, nicknamed “Broken Tooth”.
Under his rule, illegal activities flourished, from running gambling dens to brothels to large-scale businesses. The 14K Triad was the dominant gang in Macau, and its activities even extended to Hong Kong, where the triads controlled large swathes of the nightlife and illicit economy.
Macau’s role changed dramatically after its handover to China in 1999. The Chinese government vowed to eradicate the influence of the triads. This marked the end of the gang era in this former Portuguese colony, and Macau’s face was transformed into a tightly-monitored tourist and financial center, a far cry from the days when crime reigned supreme.
In Macau in the 1980s and 1990s, nights were tumultuous. Drunk youths and angry gamblers, after losing their money in casinos, often created scenes of chaos in the streets. They harassed passers-by, provoked arguments with drink vendors and disturbed night workers.
To contain this disorder, the city’s establishments called on Thai boxers, respected for their mastery of Muay Thai, to calm the troublemakers. Hired by the owners of casinos, nightclubs and gambling dens, these boxers received a very attractive salary of 50,000 to 60,000 baht per month (average salary in Thailand 15,000 baht), much higher than what they could hope for in Thailand.
While dealing with drunken customers was already a challenge, their role became even more perilous when they had to face gang members. Indeed, some triads hired these fighters to strengthen their ranks, and it was not uncommon for Thai boxers to find themselves fighting each other to defend rival interests.
These fights, with experienced boxers on both sides, added a palpable tension to Macau’s nights, reinforcing the city’s fearsome image.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, Macau attracted more than 50 top Thai boxers, who came to work in security at the city’s casinos and other nightlife venues.
These boxers were involved in often brutal altercations with street gangs, sometimes armed, who sought to assert their power or provoke rival gangs. The clashes frequently degenerated into bloody violence, sometimes involving bladed weapons, and several Thai boxers were seriously injured, requiring hospital stays. These fights also reflected the internal violence of the Chinese triads, who made no concessions to each other, often leading gang members to fatal outcomes. The homicide rate in Macau in the 1990s was extremely high.
A Thai community then formed in the Yi Ma Lo district, which became the “Thai quarter” of Macao, where boxers gathered and found cultural and social references.
The area was home to Thai restaurants and was a meeting place for these expats, who sought solace outside of their risky nightlife engagements.
For many, it represented a space where they could maintain strong ties to their roots, while finding community support in the face of the dangers of the city.
Among the Thai champions who marked the 1990s, Cherry Sor Wanich, Dokmaypa Por Pongsawang, Rajasak Sor Vorapin, Rainbow Sor Prantalay, and Kasemlek Kiattisiri are considered legends. These fighters accumulated impressive sums thanks to their victories, with prize money reaching up to 200,000 baht, a remarkable sum for the time.
However, despite their success, most failed to preserve their money and found themselves penniless at the end of their careers. For some, Macau then appeared as a new, albeit risky, opportunity to stabilize themselves financially.
The first to take the plunge was Cherry Sor Wanich, who arrived in 1994 and became a bodyguard for the son of a major local triad boss. Cherry Sor Wanich paid a heavy price for his role as a bodyguard in Macau. Exposed to the violent altercations that punctuated the city’s nightlife, he was injured several times. He persevered in this career for nearly ten years, contributing to the security of his employers within the closed and often perilous circles of the city…
His journey paved the way for other champions: Dokmaypa joined him in 1996, then Rajasak and Rainbow in 1997, followed by Kasemlek in 2001.
Dokmaypa, Rajasak and Rainbow worked as security guards in Macau’s casinos, where the nights were often rough. Kasemlek, meanwhile, provided security at a gambling den that stayed open late, serving alcohol until the early hours of the morning.
Dokmaypa Por Pongsawang and Rainbow Sor Prantalay, true titans of the ring, often lent their fearsome punch to their security work in Macau. Their punching power, which had earned them knockout victories in the ring, proved an asset in dealing with recalcitrant and drunken party-goers who threatened order in nightclubs. These two powerful fighters did not hesitate to use their feared and mastered punching technique to calm heated tempers, confirming their reputation as punchers as relentless outside the ring as they were in the arena.
These former champions forged new lives for themselves in this complex environment, mixing risk and adaptation, while using their skills as fighters to protect their employers in a city where the night held many surprises…
Results of Thai champions:
Cherry Sor Wanich
Hailing from Khok Klang village near Nong Ruea in Khon Kaen province, Cherry is a living legend of Muay Thai.
Nicknamed “Khun Khao Chalamdam” (the black shark knee strike), he was famous for his Muay Khao style (specialist in knee strikes), which was particularly fearsome in the ring.
On Tuesday, July 25, 1989, Cherry won the prestigious Lumpinee 130 lbs title at a marquee event organized by promoter Songchai Ratanasuban.
In this memorable fight, he faced Saencheung Pinsinchai, nicknamed “Manut Hin” (the stone man), who was already a double Lumpinee champion in 115 and 122 lbs. In an intense duel, Cherry dominated on points, thus winning the coveted belt.
A few months later, on December 31, 1989, Cherry wowed an international audience in France, during an event at the Halle Carpentier, broadcast live on Thai television.
In a single evening, he faced and defeated two renowned French champions: Jo Prestia, whom he beat on points in three rounds, followed by Joel Cesar, defeated on points after two additional rounds. Cherry Sor Wanich marked the golden age of Muay Thai by defeating some of the greatest names of his generation:
Samransak Muangsurin, Namphon Nong Kee Pahuyuth, Saencheung Pinsinchaï, Chanchai Sor Thamrangsee, Superlek Sor Isaan (KO), Thedkiet Sitthepikat, Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong, Orono Por Muang Ubon, Oley Kiatnoneway (KO), Boonlay Sor Thanikul, and many others.
Today, Cherry has chosen to live far from the hustle and bustle of the rings and the world of the night, returning to the calm of her native region of Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Dokmaypha Por Pongsawang
Real name Chamnian Moonkasorn, Dokmaypha is an iconic name in Muay Thai, from the village of Selaphum in Roi Et province, a region in northeastern Thailand.
Known for his fierce fighting style, Dokmaypha was also renowned for his shattering left leg high kick, which made him a feared opponent in the ring.
His nickname, “Saytokop” (extremely powerful left leg), was given to him after he sent an opponent out of the ring with a powerful shin kick.
Dokmaypha shone in the 80s and 90s, winning the belt of the prestigious Lumpinee stadium in two weight classes: 112 lbs and 115 lbs.
His first victory at 112 lbs came in 1987 against star Burlek Pinsinchai, followed by another title at 115 lbs in 1988, where he defeated Wisanupon Saksamut.
During his career, he faced and defeated several Muay Thai stars, including Oley Kiatoneway, Burlek Pinsinchai, Wangchannoi Sor Palangchai, Saichon Pichit, Boonlay Sor Thanikul, Samranthong Kietbanchong (KO), Rainbow Sor Prantalay (KO), Karuhat Sor Supawan, Nungubon Sitlerchai, Kaensak Sor Ploenchit, Jaroensap Kiatbanchong, Yodkhunpon Sittraiphum.
Dokmaypha was known for his sharp technique and punching power, with memorable knockouts against formidable fighters such as Samranthong Kietbanchong and Phedam Chuwattana. Sadly, Dokmaypha passed away on October 7, 2020, at the age of 52, the victim of a blood infection caused by insect venom…
Rajasak Sor Vorapin
Rajasak hails from Chamni village in Buriram province (northeastern region of Thailand), this great champion is known for his dangerous techniques and impressive career.
Nicknamed “Khun Khao Laweeyan” (the deadly knee or the reaper knee), Rajasak racked up nearly 300 fights throughout his career, leaving an indelible mark on the Muay Thai scene in the 90s.
Rajasak distinguished himself by winning the title of the prestigious Radja stadium in three different weight categories:
115 lbs in 1989, where he defeated Ekapol Chuwatthana
122 lbs in 1990, with a victory against Phadesuek Kiatsamran
126 lbs in 1991, triumphing over Chamophet Ha Phalang
His record is remarkable, with many victories against some of the best champions of the time, such as Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong, Pannarin Sor Suwanphakdi, Thedkiet Sitthepikat, Padedseuk Kietphayathai, Banluedej Lookprabaht, Jongrak Lookprabaht, Langsuan Phanyutthaphum, Robert Kaennorasing, Chamophet Ha Phalang, Dennuah Denmoree.
His fights were often spectacular, marked by his powerful knee strike, which earned him his reputation as a formidable opponent.
Today, Rajasak has taken a turn in his career and has become a coach at the Phetsithong camp, located in Pathum Thani, a town about 40 km from Bangkok. As a coach, he passes on his knowledge and experience to young boxers, continuing to contribute to the development of Muay Thai in Thailand.
Rainbow Sor Prantalay
Rainbow hailed from Khong Kut Wai village in Maha Sarakham province (Northeast region), was a fighter known for his power and ferocity in the ring.
Nicknamed “Rung Phikhat” (Rainbow the Destroyer) and “Krabeu Diya” (The Stubborn Buffalo), Rainbow made his mark with his aggressive fighting style and ability to deliver devastating blows.
Trained at the famous Sor Prantalay camp, he initially fought under the name Plai Chumphon Sor Prantalay. He was given the name “Rainbow” by renowned promoter Songchai Ratanasuban.
During his career, Rainbow reached the top of his art by being ranked No. 1 in the Lumpinee stadium. He faced and defeated many top champions such as Sannapanoi Sor Rungroj, Noppadet Sor Rewadee, Jompoplek Sor Sumalee, Superlek Sor Isaan, Boonlung Sor Thanikul (KO), Mathee Jediphithak, Nampon Nongkheepahuyut (KO), Den Muangsurin, Panomtuanlek Ha Phalang (KO), Theerapong Sit Korayuth (KO)!
In 1996, Rainbow won the European champion belt in the -67 kg category against the formidable champion Christian Garros. He also triumphed against the illustrious French champion Guillaume Kerner and won a champion belt in Holland in Kick Boxing.
In 2024, Rainbow opened his own boxing gym, the “Bowna Muay Thai Gym”, located near Rajamangala University in Bangkok.
Kasemlek Kiattisiri
Kasemlek, nicknamed “Seua Chaweng” (The Tiger of Chaweng), is a great Muay Thai champion from the village of Chaweng, in the Nakhon Si Tammarat region.
He trained at the famous Singmanee Gym, the home of the legendary Hippy Singmanee, located in Thung Song. Kasemlek later continued his career at Quality Gym, where he continued to hone his skills.
Kasemlek is particularly recognized for his technical skill and intelligence in the ring. He won the Radja belt in the 115 lbs category and was also the winner of the prestigious Antacil tournament in 118 lbs, a tournament sponsored by the brand Antacil, a medicine against gastrointestinal diseases.
Throughout his career, Kasemlek has faced and defeated several great champions. Notable victories include opponents such as Sukhothai Taximeter, Burlek Pinsinchai (KO), Thailand Pinsinchai, Pairojnoi Sor Siamchai, Phanphet Muangsurin, Sibtip Lukbanyai, Phongpayak Thammakasem, and Jompoplek Sor Sumalee.
His most memorable victory came in December 1995, when he won his belt at Radja Stadium by defeating Saenchoeng Shinawatra on points.
Today, Kasemlek lives in southern Thailand with his family.