A close friend of Amnat Ruengreang revealed the issue of his relapse into alcohol after returning home, disclosing that Johnny the Enforcer was moved to tears and deeply regretted the broken vow. They also revealed that Amnat does not suffer from alcoholism but loses control once he drinks.
This has become a major topic of interest among boxing fans and society following the fresh start of Amnat Ruengreang, the former Thai world champion, who was given a chance and support from Johnny the Enforcer and a group of friends. However, recently photos and clips surfaced showing that he relapsed into drinking after returning home.
The Thairath Online special news team contacted M, also known as Khun Chalermphon Sawatsuk, a former prisoner who rebuilt his life as a professional boxer and a friend of Amnat Ruengreang. He said he learned about the relapse this morning after some younger friends sent him clips to watch. He admitted feeling very worried, especially about Johnny the Enforcer’s mental state, who has always given Amnat a chance and cared for him.
“This morning, Johnny called me crying. He was very upset because of the broken promise. Previously, they had sworn not to touch alcohol for three years, but when Amnat asked to return home, saying he would come back to Johnny, he ended up drinking again once he got there.”
During the time Amnat lived with Johnny, he showed no withdrawal symptoms and did not touch alcohol at all. He even had a charming behavior, acting as a good boxing coach for Johnny’s son and was in very good physical condition. But the main problem is that Amnat cannot handle alcohol.
“He’s not an alcoholic in the medical sense, because while living with Johnny, he was fine and showed no withdrawal symptoms. But Amnat can’t handle even one drink—it causes him to lose control completely.”
The group of friends do not want to criticize but instead want to offer support and understand Johnny’s feelings of disappointment.
“We don’t blame our friend—we are friends after all. We just want him to realize it. Johnny is still generous and said that if the coach returns, he will always welcome him back because he is the coach of his son. For now, we can only hope that this was a one-time slip and that he will stop.”
Johnny the Enforcer posted on his personal page, "Stunned Bangkok, Johnny the Enforcer," saying, “I woke up this morning to hear the news that Coach Amnat relapsed into drinking and lost control. My son and I are extremely heartbroken.”
“My feelings have hit rock bottom right now. My son even cried.”
“For three months, I pulled him up from the mud, treated him, cared for him, helped him, indulged his every wish, planned everything, and coaxed him to take his medicine, attend herbal steam therapy, and exercise. Whatever he asked or said, I always complied.”
“I even sacrificed by waking up early to run alongside my son, as a disciple, to honor him as a coach again.”
“Those three months with me, he obeyed me completely, was very endearing, and had a new, better life as a coach loved by many students.”
“When he asked to leave, I saw it as a test of his spirit—whether he could pass it or not. If he passed, investing millions in a gym for him to teach boxing and have stable income would be worry-free. So I let him go as another test of his resolve!”
“The result: he did not pass the test. He deeply disappointed and saddened me.”
“Strangely, within less than 24 hours, not even a full day, he lost control so badly.”
“I apologize to society. My son, my wife, and I have done our best, as much as one person and one family can do to lift someone from the mud and help him stand.”
“I ask the people of Si Racha and related agencies to help treat and care for him on my behalf.”
“My wife, family, son, and I still love, think of, and worry about him deeply.”
“During the three months with me, I did my utmost. I apologize to society and to the people of Si Racha.”
“I sincerely apologize from the bottom of my heart.”
“Seeing my son’s face, my tears fell.”