Chatri thanks PM for show's success

ONE Lumpinee 1, aired live last weekend on Channel 7 from the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, achieved higher viewership numbers than all of the most popular TV shows in Thailand.

According to Nielsen, ONE Championship's first weekly Lumpinee card on Jan 20 garnered a 3.9 rating in the male 15+ category and 3.0 overall.

This made it the most-watched show in Thai primetime television on that night, surpassing even the much-loved Thai soaps.

ONE chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong took to Facebook to share the news and send his gratitude to the leaders and organisations that made this event possible, including the Thai government, the Royal Thai Army, the Sports Authority of Thailand, Channel 7, Tero Entertainment, Muay Thai promoters, gym owners and athletes.

"Without the full backing of Thailand, none of this success would have been possible. I cannot take credit for the success of ONE Lumpinee. If you want to give credit to someone, please join me in thanking the following people. They are the real heroes who have made it possible to launch the greatest era of Muay Thai in history and have made ONE Lumpinee a smashing success. They are responsible for this success," Chatri wrote in his Facebook post.

"Thank you to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and all of the ministers in the Thai government for your leadership. Thank you to the Commander-In-Chief of The Royal Thai Army, General Narongpan Jitkaewthae, for your leadership, friendship, and help. Thank you to General Suchart Dangprapai, General Ronawud Ruengsawat and General Vasan Phungsampao for your vision, courage, strength, and belief in ONE. Thank you to everyone in the Royal Thai Army for your support and belief."

He also thanked SAT governor Gongsak Yodmani and Tero boss Brian Marcar and other people involved.

ONE Lumpinee 1 featured a thrilling main event between ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao and No.2 ranked Alaverdi Ramazanov.

Nong-O survived an early scare to successfully defend his crown, finishing Ramazanov via third-round KO in front of his Thai compatriots.

It was a moment that will live in the hearts of combat sports fans around the country for years to come and no doubt played an integral part in the viewership numbers. "Thailand has the greatest fans in the world! We made history together! Words cannot express my love for our Thai fans. I am humbled and touched by your love for ONE, our heroes, and myself. I am inspired by your words of encouragement and your belief in ONE. Without you, I am nothing," Chatri wrote.

"This success is our success. Together, we can show the greatness and beauty of Thailand to the world."