THE CAMPS OF CHAMPION
THE CAMPS OF CHAMPION !
Special report by Serge TREFEU (2015)
Since the 70s until the 90s, the camps of boxing in Thailand were often real factories to Champions, they always produced great champions of Muay Thai who represented their camp with pride!
Through all the country, and more particularly in the region of Bangkok, there were many of the big camps which were filled with numerous boxers with each several famous champions. The owners of these big camps gained goods their lives because their professional boxers related a great deal of money to the camp, especially in the 80s and 90s which were years most splendors for Muay Thai in Thailand!
In Thailand, the camps of Muay Thai are little as soccer teams, for a moment, they are at the top, in first division, then sometimes change into second division, return in first division or disappear. For camps it’s similar, during several years a camp is going to produce numerous champions and one day the results will be less good, certain champions will leave in other camps, there will be less boxers, the camp will be less prestigious, and maybe what is more it will close definitively. As the famous camps of the 90s, the Sor Thanikul, the Haa Phalang, the Muangsurin or the Kietbangchong which don’t exist any more.
Or the camp Sit O to Buriram who produced great champions during many years but who closed in 2011, also for the big camp K.Romsritong to Samut Sakhon who closed his doors in 2012…
Other camps, on the other hand, begin with fighters’ handful and become big structures as the camp Kiatmuu 9 which became now one of the camps of Thailand which has biggest bunch of champions!
In the 70s and 80, in Thailand, it was very difficult for a foreigner to integrate a training camp of Muay Thai. The Thais did not accept that a no-Thai can receive the teaching of their Art whose all the secrets they kept affectedly. At first because ” Khru ” (Professor) considered that the foreigners did not have the level of their champion and especially the teachers had no time to lose to take care of the formation of a foreign fighter…
Some adventurers of boxing rings managed to train in the 80s but they really little were to stay of long periods within a camp. It’s only in the 90s when more and more foreign, especially European champions, left perfecting in the camps of Thailand. Most were confirmed boxers who had already fought on numerous occasions in their country. These foreigners trained hard and lived in camps with the Thai fighters in the same conditions as they, they trained to fight in Thailand, they were professional fighters. The owners of camps were thus less retissant to these foreigners because they yielded money to them in the same way as the Thai champions of the camp…
At that time, in the world of Muay Thai in Thailand, the word “recreational sport” was totally unknown, for a Thai boxer it was inconceivable that a person can pay to train in Muay Thai. Indeed, in Thailand, generally, a nakmuay chooses at first to practise this sport to be able to earn money, the passion comes then…
Abroad, the people often begin the boxing in leisure activities then the coming passion they try the competition and in the end some, little, become professionals who manage to live on their sport…
Muay Thai became very popular from the 90s, thanks to the excellent results of the big European champions which managed to beat the Thai champions at their home, such as Philippe Cantamessi, Jaid Seddak, Jo Prestia, Stephane Nikiema, Dany Bill, Guillaume Kerner, Mourad Sari, Fabrice Payen, Dida Diafat, Ramon Dekkers, Rob Kaman, Ivan Hippolyte, Gilbert Ballantine, Perry Ubeda, Ronnie Green, then in the 2000s came Jean-Charles Skarbowsky, Kamel Jemel, Farid Villaume, Wilfried Montagne, Mustapha ” Totof ” Youssef, Karim Saada, John Wayne Parr, Bruce MacFie, Olé Laursen, Rudolph Durica…
Today, the foreign champions who can compete with the Thai champions became rarer but some big fighters manage to beat them still at their home as Fabio Pinca, Yohan Lidon, Damien Alamos, Youssef Boughanem, the Pinto brothers Antoine and Victor, Liam Harrison, André Kulebin…
In the 2000s, many gyms of Thai boxing built up themselves abroad, and more and more foreigners left discovering Muay Thai in Thailand. With the advent of internet it was much easier to find addresses and information on the camps than in the 80s. These boxers were not necessarily hardened fighters but they rather wanted to surpass themselves, to learn new techniques, just for the pleasure and not to fight on a boxing ring…
This craze for Muay Thai “leisure” practised in Thailand enormously developed, to such a point that today, in Thailand, the majority of the people who come to train in camps are people who will fight practically never. These are a “tourists” of the Muay Thai that go on holiday in Thailand and join the useful for the pleasant by training for Muay Thai during their stay.
The owners of camps, businessmen warned, fast understood this new vein which could pay well to them. They totally changed their attitude to the foreigners creating even camps specially for them, 4-star camps in which we speak their language, where they are welcomed well and taken in charge of the beginning at the end as tourists who would stay in a hotel. Muay Thai for the foreigners became a real business in Thailand, it completely changed the face in certain camps because from now on they earn money only thanks to the ” boxers tourists “…
Of course, there are always adventurers, fighters in the soul, who prefer to go to the Thai typical camps to train hard and fight in Thailand but they became rarer than at the time of the 90s. And the big camps, the ” factories to champions ” also became very rare from now on in Thailand…
Generally, the champions stay in a camp during all their career. But some change several times camp, they fight in other camps during their career. That’s why we find several times fighter’s same name in different camps. Some camps also changed several times address and even sometimes name. Here are diverse camps of past and of today, camps which produced great champions who sometimes became legends of boxing rings!
CAMP BANGKOK REGION
Camp Bualuang Prakanphay to Bangkok
Champion : Supernoi, Ratananoi, Nuenthoranee, Kaenthong, Krikchai…
Camp Sor Kiettalingchan to Bangkok
Champion : Singsouangnoen, Supernoi, Khaona, Yodthanulek…
Camp Ekamorn to Bangkok
Champion : Planoy, Mongkongchai, Chuchay, Nongwasor, Kengkat, Dentoranee, Sinchainoi
Camp Sit Kwanim to Bangkok
Champion : Somkwannoi, Samingnum, Somsaknoi, Narak, Narong, Nachom
Camp Sor Supawan to Bangkok
Champion : Phaythong, Kewsot, Kewsong, Narongnoi, Phayakphum, Prawit, Chaysamut, Kulaphit, Masiimok, Soumo, Darunee, Karuhat, Kaikeaw, Nopmat, Ronchai…
Camp Sit Aran to Bangkok
Champion : Soming, Pimthong, Tamrawee, Jocky (Jocky Gym), Somrack…
Camp Wor Sunthonon to Bangkok
Champion : Paphinoi, Decho…
Camp Lukmingkway to Bangkok
Champion : Noppachai, Sangtienoi sitsurapon, Kajondech, Narongchai, Rittichai…
Camp Kiatsongrit to Bangkok
Champion : Chatnakrop, Samraychay, Changpuek, Pasaknoi, Nokweed, Santho, Daiwee…
Camp Kietphetnoi to Bangkok
Champion : Chen Chor Rochay, Lukthapfa, Kietchayong, Kietsamran, Por Surasak…
Camp Kietbanchong to Bangkok
Champion : Jaroenthong, Jaroensap, Jokapop, Padmadep, Oley, Samranthong, Isara, Kaolan, Pornpitak…
Foreign Champion: Farid Villaume
Camp Kiat Chan Sing to Bangkok
Champion : Padjai, Chuchay, Chaydet, Tewarit…
Camp Sit Khru Od to Bangkok
Champion : Saenkrai, Hemraj, Yukai, Meuangponlek, Djaipetch, Yodsaenklai…
Camp Sor Thanikul to Bangkok
Champion : Chalonsak, Boonlai, Boonlung, Sombat, Colalek, Samingnoi, Banklanoi, Lom Issan, Prathet, Praptoranee, Khomkiat, Kompetch, Saohin, Kitty, Youssop, Daris, Phansaklek, Phayapnoi…
Foreign Champion: Paulo Tocha, Guillaume Kerner, Khaled Hebieb, Dida Diafat, Kader Marouf
Camp Por Chaiwat to Bangkok
Champion : Wanghin, Phantrong, Thanourit, Denarong, Rungkadi, Deangneua, Saengsin, Panomrung, Thammachat, Dechsamila…
Camp Swanmisakwan to Bangkok
Champion : Langsuan, Kwanthong, Panphet, Chumpwang, Kongdet, Rakchai…
Camp Jor Lukpeenang to Bangkok (96 Peenang) (Still in service)
Champion : Klayroung, Faasang, Deddouang, Chaonoi, Djakouar, Chatchai, Nong O, Prakaiseang, Petmankong, Samranchai…
Camp Narupai (Pinsinchai) to Bangkok (Still in service)
Champion : Neuawithok, Poenthong, PoenThailand, Nakhon Patom, Oletnoy, Burklerk, Seancheung, Dawden, Ritthewdha, Manasak, Captekem…
Foreign Champion: Wilfried Montagne
Camp Petchyindee to Bangkok (Still in service)
Champion : Oleydong, Pongsaklek, Vicharnoi, Sagat, Jonthai, Piisout, Tawisalek, Kongpipop, Yodseanklai, Rungphet, Kungwanlek, The Lek, Dokmaipa…
Camp Kietpetch to Bangkok (Still in service)
Champion : Samanloung, Singdam, Thanongdeth, Noppadeth, Tukkatatong, Fahmaï, Sakeddao, Naruenart, Mongkonchai…
Foreign Champion: Youssef Boughanem, Leo Montero
Camp Jitmuangnon to Bangkok (Still in service)
Champion : Phanpayak, Peemai, Phetchkarat, Farungruang, Petchsiam, Yodpanomrung…
Camp FA Group to Bangkok (Still in service)
Champion : Petchboonchu, Petsakon, Yatkonpon, Panom…
Camp Jocky Gym to Bangkok (Still in service)
Champion : Jocky, Somrak, Saenchaï, Lerdsila, Kaoklaï, Silapathai, Robert, Rolek, Wangvisep, Chaowarit, Yotchaï, Sonkom, Patong…
Foreign Champion: Philippe Cantamessi, Stéphane Nikéma, Dany Bill, Jean-Charles Skarbowsky
Camp Keza Gym to Bangkok (Still in service)
Champion : Big Ben, Jaroenchai, Yodsaenchai…
Camp Kiatyongyut to Bangkok (Still in service)
Champion : Nong B, Sadam, Phet Ek, Saksurin, Wuttidet, Hanchai…
Camp Kietsingnoi to Bangkok (Still in service)
Champion : Sponseur, Singnong, Payrot, Singthotong, Singsamphanot, Radonchay, Keawloei…
Camp Lukbanyai to Bangkok (Still in service)
Champion : Sanghiran, Danchai, Yodbuangarm, Sarawut, Anuntachai, Sanganan, Norasing…
Camp Meenayothin to Bangkok (Still in service)
Champion : Aikpracha, Dernchonlek, Yongyutnoi, Wanchai, Binla, Wanheng…
Camp Petsiri to Bangkok (Still in service)
Champion : Chorchorai, Lekom, Kongfah, Wanchalerm, Diesellek, Sprinter, Ronachai…
Camp PK Saenchai Gym to Bangkok (Still in service)
Champion : Saenchai, Pakorn, Kongsak, Wanchalong, Prajanchay, Sirimongkol, Chanajon, Muangthai…
Camp Poptheeratham Gym (Samart Payakaroon) to Bangkok (Still in service)
Champion : Saksongkram, Dejrit, Mahasan…
Camp Rachanon Gym to Bangkok (Still in service)
Champion : Saylomaadii, Singphetwitnoi, Inseekhao, Phetkangwan, Wacharachai, Design, F16…
Camp Saengmorakot to Bangkok (Still in service)
Champion : Pinsiam, Terdthai Lek, Wisan Lek, Palungnoom, Yodvicha, Petchatsawin…
Camp Sitsongpeenong to Bangkok (Still in service)
Champion : Sittichai, Kem, Mapachit, Dechsakda, Tewalith, Tongchai…
Camp Sor Chokitchai to Bangkok (Still in service)
Champion : Thanutong, Kengkat, Kengkla, Yodbuengan…
Camp Sor Sommai to Bangkok (Still in service)
Champion : Denkiri, Trakunpet, Seksun, Lomtalai, Rungrath, Phetbaankek, Watcharalek…
Camp Sor Vorapin to Bangkok (Still in service)
Champion : Tanongsak, Rajasak, KreingKai, Ratanapol, Kaichon, Ratanachai…
Foreign Champion: Fabrice Payen
Camp Thor Chalermchai to Bangkok (Still in service)
Champion : Sayiamchai, Kwanjai, Omsap, Superbon, Yedgoen, Yodrak, Linglom, Songniyom…
Camp Wor Wiwatthananon to Bangkok ((Still in service)
Champion : Rungphet, Weerachai, Payaknoi, Samingnum…
Camp Sor Ploenchit to Bangkok (Still in service)
Champion : Sean, Chaowaroj, Warunee, Macan, Kaensak, Suriya, Khem, Cuba, Manasak…
Foreign Champion: Guillaume Kerner, Dida Diafat
Camp Kiatprapat to Bangkok (Still in service)
Champion : Waifai, Rakkiat, Wangprai, Maneedang, Thongchai…
Camp Chuwattana to Bangkok (Still in service)
Champion : Lamsongkram, Nopphadet, Jomthong, Kayasit, Wethya, Kumarnthorn…
Camp Por Pongsawang to Bangkok (Still in service)
Champion : Fasang, Toto, Dekdouan, Dokmaipha, Tukatathong, Rambo, Samranthong…
Camp Kaewsamrit to Bangkok (Still in service)
Champion : Khunpini, Watcharachai, Anuwat, Bowee, Yuthajak, Rittijak, Chanachai, Rittikrai, Singmanee…
Foreign Champion: Juan Mario
CAMP CENTRAL REGION
Camp Phitnurachan to NakhonChai
Champion : Padetsuk, Krutawut, Saychon, Noknoy, Chingchap, Faadeang…
Camp Sor Siamchai to Chachoengsao
Champion : Pairojnoi, Yodnakrop, Chanachai…
Camp Romsritong to Samut Sakon
Champion : Kamlaiyok, Kongmuanjan, Kongbeng, Asawin…
Foreign Champion: Cosmo Alexandre
Camp Lookprabat to Saraburi (Still in service)
Champion : Paidam, Jonglex, Dangnoy, Farran, Lookdod, Kompetch, Bunlaedech, Wongkod, Pajonsuk, Wuttidet, Rungruanglek, Pornsawan, Kaotam, Komphetlek…
Camp Phanyouthapum to Samut Prakarn (Still in service)
Champion : Langsuan, Anantasak, Rungpichit…
Camp Fairtex to Pattaya (Still in service)
Champion : Yodseanklai, Keaw, Narupon, Kem…
Foreign Champion: Steve Wakeling
Camp Sityodtong to Pattaya (Still in service)
Champion : Daotong, Kongtoranee, Samart, Wangkaew, Sornsil, Super Noi, Chatchai, Petdam, Nuengpichit, Detpitak, Sanliam, Yodseanchai, Yoddecha, Yodsanan…
Camp Sor Suradej to Rayong (Still in service)
Champion : Sansatan, Kataphet…
Camp Thor Pran49 to Chonburi (Still in service)
Champion : Kongkiat, Tanadej, Jaising, Phedam…
Camp Thor Seangtiennoi to Pathumthani (Still in service)
Champion : Samkor, Rungrawee, Kwanpichit, Tanonchai, Fahsawang, Moset…
Foreign Champion: John Wayne Parr
CAMP NORTHEAST REGION
Camp Sit O to Buriram
Champion : Samkor, Nontachai, Jomthong, Fasuchon, Palungpol, Kaimukkhao, Khaimukdam…
Camp Sor Sumalee to Surin
Champion : Lamnamoon, Deachkalon, Panomrunglek, Superlek, Jompoblek…
Camp Kiatmuu9 to Buriram (Still in service)
Champion : Singdam, Panomrunglek, Phetpanomrung, Superlek, Rungnarai, Wanchai…
Camp Sit Boonmee to Buriram (Still in service)
Champion : Samkor, Phetdam, Fonluang, Kongsak…
Camp Nongkee Pahuyuth to Buriram (Still in service)
Champion : Namphon, Therdkia, Namkabuan, Hansuk…
Foreign Champion: Dean White, Dale White
Camp Sor Srisompong to Surin (Still in service)
Champion : Samrandech, Thepnakorn, Bantatdong, Kongla, Siplainoi, Singmanee…
Camp Sit Nungubon (Por Muang Ubon) to Ubon Ratchathani (Still in service)
Champion : Nungubon, Orono, Nungtrakarn…
CAMP SOUTH REGION
Camp Kietmeuangtrang to Trang
Champion : Petchsiam, Yodkeang, Petchsakon, Daradech, Weerapon, Sayburi, Dechdaw, Kasemsuk, Pachonsuk, Kerikiat, Khunponnoy…
Camp Sitjaboon to Trang (Still in service)
Champion : Hansuk, Sangyut, Awutlek, Panpetch, Detnarong, Chaisiri…
Foreign Champion: Karl Dubus
Camp Sor Kittichai to Thung Song (Still in service)
Champion : Phettawee, Sittichai, Chinarat, Sinchainoi, Patiharn, Chokdjai…
Camp Singpatong to Phuket (Still in service)
Champion : Singphaïboun, Phun Louang, Thoungsuk, Singsuk, Rung Anun, Pen Ake, Penthai…
Foreign Champion: Mehdi Zatout, Damien Alamos
A preview of some great camps that formed the legends of Muay Thai, the Fairtex Gym, the Nongkee Pahuyuth Gym, the Por Muang Ubon Gym, The Sasiprapa Gym, the Muangsurin Gym, the Petchyindee Gym and the Sor Thanikul Gym (Video Dave Fox)
The Sor Sommai Gym
The Meenayothin Gym
The Wor Wiwatthananon Gym
The Kiatmuu9 Gym
The Thor Chalermchai Gym
The Sitjaaboon Gym
The FA Group Gym