Yodthong Senanan, one of the country's most famous Muay Thai trainers, passed away yesterday after a blood infection. He was 76.
Yodthong Senanan
Dubbed 'Master Tui', Yodthong had been hospitalised for several illnesses at a Chon Buri hospital since Feb 1 and doctors pronounced his death at noon yesterday.
A Ratchaburi native, Yodthong set up his training camp in Chon Buri, which produced a large number of the country's top Muay Thai fighters, notably Samart Payak-arun, who went on to become a world boxing champion.
His other pupils included Kongthoranee Payak-arun, Yodsanan 3K Battery, Nuengpichit Sityodthong and Yoddamrong Sityodthong.
Yodthong was the first person in the world to receive an honorary doctorate in Muay Thai, awarded to him by Chom Bung Rajabhat University.
Apart from his teaching skill, he was also renowned for his kindness. He once won millions of baht as the first prize in the government lottery but died penniless because he had given money to virtually everybody asking him for financial help.
"He was a leading figure in Muay Thai," said Somchat Charoenwatcharawit, chief of the professional Muay Thai association.
"He sincerely promoted Muay Thai and did not try to seek personal gain. He was so nice that I had no words to describe him."
Promoter Wirat Wachirarattanawong said: "His death was a huge loss for Muay Thai. He was well-liked by everybody."