‘Always By My Side’ – How Unwavering Support From Father Propelled Tawanchai To Greatness

Thai superstar Tawanchai PK Saenchai knows he owes a great deal of his incredible combat sports success to his always supportive father.

This Friday, August 4, at ONE Fight Night 13: Allazov vs. Grigorian on Prime Video, the reigning ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion will test the waters of a new sport when he squares off with former Glory Kickboxing World Champion Davit Kiria.

That bout will go down live in U.S. primetime from the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand – the same venue in which Tawanchai successfully defended his gold with a stunning first-round knockout just six months prior.

For the 24-year-old phenom, that victory was a continuation of a four-fight run that’s seen him capture the featherweight Muay Thai crown, establish himself as a pound-for-pound powerhouse, and gain global fame and acclaim.

But things weren’t always roses and big money for the Bangkok native, who spoke to ONEFC.com about the poverty that marked his upbringing:

“As a child, I remember that I initially lived a comfortable life. However, I suddenly saw my father selling off our assets piece by piece.”

Tawanchai’s parents separated when he was a young child, and he stayed with his father.

Despite the family’s financial difficulties, the Muay Thai sensation is proud of his dad’s efforts to provide, and he uses the memories of their difficult situation to inspire him today.

He said:

“I have my father as the one and only home to me. He always did his best to raise me the best he could. The poverty and adversity in my childhood are always been my motivation to push myself harder to get a better life and come to this point. Because I promised myself that I will never be starving again.”

But, importantly, Tawanchai started training Muay Thai before his family was hit with money problems.

His father, a former Muay Thai athlete in his own right, jumped at the opportunity to support his ambitious son and provide him with all the essentials.

Tawanchai recalled:

“When I decided to learn Muay Thai, I just told my him: ‘Daddy, I want to learn Muay Thai.’ And without any hesitation or doubts, he just gave me full support.  He bought me sandbags, gloves, and other Muay Thai equipment.”

Tawanchai Says Father Is ‘Everything’

Tawanchai PK Saenchai’s father has provided much more than just financial support throughout the young striker’s journey to the top of the combat sports world.

The reigning featherweight Muay Thai king explained:

“I have been close to my dad for my whole life. We went through ups and downs together all along.  He is everything in my life.”

Indeed, Tawanchai’s father has been a steady source of emotional support and a reliable rock over the course of his 162-fight career.

And now, as he prepares for his ONE kickboxing debut and aims for two-sport glory, his father will surely be right by his side once again.

Tawanchai added:

“He always encourages me whenever I lose a fight. He is the one who wakes me up to run every morning. He always runs after me when I go for a run in the morning and evening. 

“I can say he is the one who is always by my side. He is a huge part of my career success. Back when I first decided to fight in Bangkok stadiums, my dad told me, ‘It’s time for you to chase your own dream. Just do your best.’”