The Thai Boxing Sports Association has undergone a major rebranding, appointing Pol. Lt. Gen. Patchara Rattakul as chairman of the steering committee, with hopes that all boxing organizations will collaborate smoothly without conflicts.
The Thai Boxing Sports Association of Thailand is advancing towards 2026-2028 by introducing "Sergeant Dollar" Pol. Lt. Gen. Patchara Rattakul as chairman of the Muay Thai steering committee. The rebrand brings in young talent to clarify its identity and develop a 3-year strategic plan focused on building a youth foundation to progress towards the Olympic Games, aiming for cooperation among all parties without competition or internal disputes.
On 24 August, at the Serenity Grand Ballroom, 3rd floor, Century Park Hotel Bangkok, the Thai Boxing Sports Association Under the Royal Patronage of Thailand held a press conference for the MTAT MUAYTHAI MOVEMENT 2026-2028. Dr. Sakchai Tapsuwan, president of the association, presided over the event, which introduced "Sergeant Dollar" Pol. Lt. Gen. Patchara Rattakul, CEO of Haadthip Public Company Limited, as chairman of the Muay Thai steering committee. Popular Thai boxer Buakaw, serving as the association’s Muay Thai sports ambassador, also attended amid extensive media coverage.
The press conference began with Dr. Sakchai Tapsuwan announcing the royal graciousness bestowed by His Majesty the King, granting the association a new name: “Thai Boxing Sports Association Under the Royal Patronage of Thailand,” effective from 12 March 2026, with Dr. Sakchai continuing as president. The association also unveiled a new logo and English name.
Next, “Sergeant Dollar” Pol. Lt. Gen. Patchara Rattakul was invited to serve as chairman of the steering committee to develop a 3-year strategic plan focused primarily on building youth foundations. The plan opens training spaces for Muay Thai beyond competition, aiming to nurture the sport from early childhood to align with international multi-sport events such as the School Games, Youth Asian Games, and Youth Olympic Games. The association’s role is to be the officially recognized Muay Thai body by the Sports Authority of Thailand and the Olympic Committee of Thailand, necessitating collaboration to advance the sport.
Further, the development of the Muay Thai ecosystem includes referees, coaches, and trainers, emphasizing Muay Thai culture for all. The introduction of Pol. Lt. Gen. Patchara Rattakul signals the association’s rebranding by bringing in young leaders. The committee will consist of Thailand’s new generation. From now on, the association will have a clearer identity, following the Olympic process toward sports excellence. It will not engage in professional matters—athletes can pursue professional careers independently—but its foundation lies in developing children and youth on the Olympic path from the training stage. The association will not compete with other Muay Thai organizations but will appreciate mutual respect, as all share the goal of elevating Muay Thai’s global reputation. The association’s main role is to promote Muay Thai’s inclusion in the Olympic Games, the highest goal, and it will avoid internal conflicts, with everyone focusing on their roles.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Patchara Rattakul, known as “Sergeant Dollar,” is 63 years old, married to Khun Ying Mangmoom, Mom Rajawongse Srikamrung Yukol. He currently serves as CEO of Haadthip Public Company Limited, licensed to produce and distribute Coca-Cola beverages in 14 southern provinces. His education includes graduating from Chulalongkorn University Demonstration School, Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy (Class 32), a scholarship at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK, and bachelor's and master's degrees in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) from St. John's College, Oxford University. He served as an army officer in the Royal Thai Army, including as a royal guard officer.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Patchara Rattakul, chairman of the Muay Thai steering committee, said in his speech that "Muay Thai belongs to all Thai people and is a heritage we have a duty to pass on to the world." He emphasized the need to cherish it and ensure the world properly knows and accesses Muay Thai. Building a comprehensive Muay Thai ecosystem, including communication with Thai society and the global community, is the mission. He stressed preserving the roots and creating the future of Muay Thai, with all parties moving forward together toward the shared goal of strengthening Muay Thai in Thailand and elevating its global status. He called for cooperation rather than competition, putting the benefit of Muay Thai and Thailand first.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Patchara Rattakul further explained that the path to the Olympic Games must clearly distinguish between promoting general Muay Thai and the structured global sports system. The association’s mission is to develop youth athletes and the Thai national team for international competition readiness. Starting now, they will increase communication with society and build a "Storytelling Ecosystem" linked to the global stage through digital channels. He emphasized that the goal is not to elevate any single organization but to make Muay Thai itself greater by preserving its roots, developing new generations, establishing standards and national teams, fostering cooperation, and creating a pathway from Thailand to the world’s highest stages.
“Muay Thai started in Thailand but today is growing alongside the world. Muaythai Starts in Thailand. Grows with the World. I believe that if all Thai people cooperate, the day when the Thai national Muay Thai athletes enter the Olympic arena with the tricolor flag on their chests will not be just a dream but a goal we all achieve together,” Pol. Lt. Gen. Patchara Rattakul concluded.
Additionally, the event concluded with a panel discussion titled “Developing Muay Thai Sports According to the Olympic Movement,” aligned with the Thai Boxing Sports Association Under the Royal Patronage of Thailand’s strategy. The panel featured Dr. Sakchai Tapsuwan, Pol. Lt. Gen. Patchara Rattakul, representatives from the Sports Authority of Thailand, and the Olympic Committee of Thailand.