Honorary Post Mortem President

Mr. Bunyeun Suvantadh
The founder of the Federation of Amateur Muaythai of Asia

The push for Amateur Muaythai to be accepted by the people of the world is the aim and determination of many millions of Thai sports enthusiasts. One man who made sacrifices beyond the call of duty was Mr. Bunyeun Suvantadha. From both a personal and financial perspective, he put everything he had into the push for Amateur Muaythai to be recognised.

Originally from Roi Et, he studied construction in Bangkok and then became a civil servant. But, his main interest was in selling cattle across the porous borders between Thailand and its neighbours even though this was a dangerous occupation - he eventually moved onto rice exporting. It was here where his love for Muaythai began as the unskilled labourers from the north-eastern part of Thailand brought their love of Muaythai to the city.

Mr. Buyeun joined with Mr. Kitti Artchavanich to set up a boxing camp "Songkitrat". The camp sent boxers to compete in Rajadamnern Stadium as a mean of finding extra income for these labourers. Songkitrat Boxing Camp was certified by Rajadamnern Stadium in 1948 (at that time there was no government regulatory body). It was not long before Songkitrat Boxing Camp became one of Rajadamnern's leading camps. Their most successful boxer was Jumrern Songkitrat who eventually had to retire as no one would face him.

By 1957, there were only 2 stadiums of Rajadamnern and Lumpinee for boxers to compete at the highest level. The Promotional Committee of Muaythai as a Sport was formed to look after the boxers. Mr. Kitti Artchavanich was President, Mr. Bunyeun Suvantadha was Secretary, with Mr. Boonsong Kitkrusuan as Promoter and Mr. Thiemboon Intraputr as PR Manager.

After this growth, Mr. Bunyeun turned his hand to many other businesses. Having accumulated a certain wealth, he retired at 65.

He then took a renewed interest in Muaythai but this time in the Amateur side of the sport. In 1982, he foresaw that this could be an international event in the SEA Games, Asian Games and ultimately the Olympic Games. Initially he used his home and personal finances for the new Amateur Muaythai Association. Together with Mr. Samrueng Srimadee (Jumrern Sogkitrat), Mr. Mana Sridaukbuab (Porn Kinpetch: former Flyweight World Champion), Mr. Boonmee Mandchamunk, Mr. Sodsai Narupai, Mr. Prawat Dee Sanit (Kinpetch), Mr. Prasert SorSor, Mr. Suradej Songkitrat, Mr. Pon Prapadaeng and Mr. Wit Kirikun , he set about developing this sport.

The association was formed on 7th September 1990 as The Amateur Muaythai Association - to promote the art of Amateur Muaythai worldwide. In April 1996 "of Thailand" was added - so AMAT (by the Sports Authority of Thailand, Sports Act of 1985). The president of AMAT at that time was General Mana Rattanokoset.

The Sports Authority of Thailand approved Amateur Muaythai to be used as a competition in the 25th National Games. In addition, AMAT was given the highest honour when it received permission to hold the King's, Queen's and Prince's Cups.

During the Presidency of General Vorayudh Mesommonta, Mr Bunyeun was ecstatic when he received the news that Amateur Muaythai was accepted as a demonstration sport in 13th Asian Games.

When the Muaythai athletes entered the stadiums for the Games on 13th December 1998, Mr. Bunyeun volunteered to carry the Asian flag. In spite of everyone's concern for his health, he insisted. Tragically, the excitement and pride that he felt was too much for his frail health and he passed away hours after the opening ceremony from heart failure caused by pneumonia.

Mr. Bunyeun Suvantadha's philosophy of life was "THIS LIFE FOR MUAYTHAI" and will be remembered from all Muaythai enthusiasts from around the world.