"Big Suchai" insists he did not request a royal pardon for "Manas" and appeals to the former Olympic boxing hero to reform and use his knowledge to help the nation. "big suchai", "manas"
On 30 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Somrak Khamsing, Thailand's first Olympic gold medal hero, met with "Big Suchai" Suchai Pornchaisakudom, president of the Tennis Association of Thailand and former secretary-general of the Amateur Boxing Association, to seek help for Manas Boonjamnong. "Big Suchai" revealed that filing for a royal pardon is the responsibility of Manas and his family, not himself as previously reported, which was due to misunderstanding and miscommunication. He emphasized that once Manas overcomes his troubles, he hopes Manas will use his knowledge and experience to help younger boxers.
"Big Suchai," Suchai Pornchaisakudom, president of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage and former secretary-general of the Amateur Boxing Association of Thailand, disclosed that Somrak Khamsing, Thailand's first Olympic gold medal hero, visited him last week to discuss assistance for "Ter" Manas Boonjamnong, a former Olympic gold medal boxer who was arrested on lottery quota fraud charges on 19 Dec 2025. The court sentenced him in case 1 to 1 year and 6 months and in case 2 to 1 year and 3 months, totaling 2 years and 9 months in prison.
After the discussion, I had no objections and am willing to help where possible, since I was once secretary-general of the Amateur Boxing Association and manager of the boxing team at the 2004 Olympic Games. I appreciate Manas's achievements, as he was the first athlete to win two Olympic medals and brought happiness to the Thai people.
However, submitting a request for a royal pardon is Manas Boonjamnong's and/or his family's responsibility, not mine, contrary to earlier reports caused by misunderstandings and communication errors.
"I told Somrak that after Manas has overcome his difficulties, I want him to reform, turn his life around, and do something beneficial for society. I hope he will use his knowledge and experience to teach younger members of the Thai national boxing team, creating opportunities to reclaim Olympic success and bring happiness to the Thai people once again," Suchai said in closing.