Gen Taweep Jantararoj has offered to help the Thailand Boxing Association (TBA) following the country's dismal Olympic performance in the sport in London.
Boxing hero Kaew hugs his mother Mali. SOMCHAI POOMLARD
Among three Thai boxers at the 2012 Games, Kaew Pongprayoon was the only medallist when he took silver after his 13-10 defeat against Chinese Zou Shiming in the light-flyweight (49kg) final.
It was the boxing team's worst performance since boxer Somluck Kamsing became the country's first-ever Olympic champion in 1996.
A large number of Thais believe Kaew was robbed in the final. However, if Kaew had won gold, the 2012 team would have still been eclipsed by the 1996 squad with bronze winner Vichai Rachanont the other successful boxer in Atlanta.
The failure prompted Gen Boonlert Kaewprasit to keep his promise to step down as TBA president.
"He is a true gentleman and honours his promise. He shoulder responsibility by resigning as TBA president," said Taweep.
"I will not vie for the position but I am ready to help them as an adviser."
Taweep said he had been involved in amateur boxing for more than 10 years and his experience could be helpful.
"If you are afraid that Wu Ching-Kuo would know this, then you may privately ask me for my advice," he said, referring to the president of the International Boxing Association (Aiba).
When he was president of the now-defunct Amateur Boxing Association of Thailand (Abat), Taweep guided his fighters to the country's most glittering spell in Olympic boxing.
The team won one gold, one silver and one bronze at the 2004 Games and one gold and one silver at the 2008 Olympics.
Taweep heavily criticised the officiating at the 2008 Beijing Games and was later punished by Aiba which outlawed Abat last year.
The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) also outlawed Abat. The TBA was then set up to replace Abat with Boonlert being elected unopposed as its first boss last August.
Asked who should become the next TBA president, Taweep said the SAT may already have its choice.
Thana Chaiprasit, who is quitting as Thailand's delegation chief, is seen as a favourite to take the job.
He has received the backing of Maj Gen Charouck Areeratchakaran, secretary-general of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand.
Thana said yesterday he wanted to take a rest before thinking about the matter.