The Media Fund has launched the semi-documentary short film "BUAKAW THE SERIES," depicting the life of "Buakaw" to inspire and promote Muay Thai as a global Soft Power.
On 17 July 2026 GMT+7 at Rattanabundit University (RBAC), the Media Fund for Safe and Creative Media Development, together with the Banchamek Foundation, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Boxing Sports Committee of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), the Muay Thai Sports Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA), and RBAC, held a press conference to launch "BUAKAW THE SERIES Dust, Sweat And Glory." This semi-documentary short film, strategically funded by the Media Fund in 2025, tells the life story of Captain Sombat Banchamek (Buakaw Banchamek), a world-class Muay Thai champion, aiming to inspire through values of determination, discipline, endurance, and self-development, while promoting Muay Thai as Thailand's Soft Power on the international stage.
At the event, Dr. Thanakorn Srisuksai, manager of the Media Fund for Safe and Creative Media Development, explained that this semi-documentary short film aims to harness the power of creative media to inspire by conveying values of discipline, determination, endurance, and perseverance through the real-life story of a role model. This is intended for youth and the public to apply these concepts in their lives, alongside raising awareness of Muay Thai as a cultural heritage and Thailand's Soft Power.
Buakaw Banchamek shared his life experiences from childhood, training, overcoming obstacles, to becoming a world-class Muay Thai champion. He expressed deep excitement and gratitude to everyone involved in creating the semi-documentary film portraying his life story. He emphasized that to achieve victory in the ring, one must endure much hardship, as every step is a process. He believes he has a special spirit stronger than others, which has driven him to persevere through all challenges, turning experiences into the journey that led him to today. The actor playing young Buakaw is his own nephew, the son of his sister.
"I contributed as assistant director and advisor to ensure the story genuinely reflects Buakaw’s heart. Some parts summarize events through the director’s perspective, but I helped by sharing how my own life unfolded. My starting point was limited—only 100 baht. If my mother hadn’t given me money then, I couldn’t have gone boxing with friends. That first step allowed me to fight and reach where I am today. Additionally, this film is not only in Thai but has been translated into other languages to reach international audiences."
Isra Nadee, the director, stated that the semi-documentary will take viewers through Buakaw’s struggles, determination, and inspiration under the concept “Every success begins with small steps that never stop.” The project is organized by the Banchamek Foundation with Lt. Col. Theerawat Yuiyim as project manager and Dr. Yospan Sukumnanant, a sports development expert from the Sports Department, as advisor. The film is divided into six episodes of 25 minutes each, chronicling Buakaw’s path from his first steps in the ring to world champion, his continued success, and his inspirational legacy. Beyond telling a global athlete’s story, the film promotes Muay Thai as Thailand’s Soft Power, linking sports, culture, and human development to raise awareness domestically and internationally, while advancing creative media’s role in social, economic, and creative industry development.
Watch "BUAKAW THE SERIES Dust, Sweat And Glory" every Sunday from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. on Channel 9 MCOT HD, channel number 30, starting with episode 1 "First Step into the Ring" on Sunday, 19 July 2026 GMT+7. It is also available online via Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, inviting viewers to experience the life story of "Buakaw Banchamek," reflecting the power of determination, effort, and inspiration in achieving success, while supporting Muay Thai's rise as a Soft Power that brings value and international recognition to Thailand.