Hailing from a small town in northeastern Thailand’s Roi Et Province, Sombat “Buakaw” Banchamek climbed the ranks to become a legendary Muay Thai fighter known across the globe.

Banchamek’s pivotal moment came in 2004 when he competed in the K-1 World Max 2004 kickboxing and martial arts tournament in Tokyo. His victory at K-1 propelled the fighter to international renown. In 2006 he won the tournament a second time, and remains the only Thai boxer to do so.

In 2021 Banchamek was named the executive director for the Kickboxing Association of Thailand, He also served as manager for the Thailand national team, leading them to win a total of 12 medals, including two golds, at the SEA Games that year.