‘I’m still the same’: How Muay Thai megastar Tawanchai stays humble

Tawanchai PK Saenchai’s dominant run as the ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion has brought him more acclaim and adoration than he could have ever anticipated.

Tawanchai PK Saenchai defeats Superbon Singha Mawynn at ONE Friday Fights 46 on December 22, 2023. [ONE]

Tawanchai PK Saenchai’s dominant run as the ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion has brought him more acclaim and adoration than he could have ever anticipated.

The Thai striker will next defend his gold against “Smokin” Jo Nattawut at ONE 167 on Prime Video in U.S. primetime on June 7, and another stellar performance would add even more members to his growing fan base.

However, Tawanchai won’t get carried away by the hype. He tries his best to keep his feet on the ground despite his newfound superstar status in the world’s largest martial arts organization.

The 25-year-old spoke to onefc.com ahead of his next assignment at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

“ONE Championship has changed my life in a very good way. My life is better and more comfortable," he said. “But I’m still just acting normal. I don’t see myself as a celebrity or someone special. I’m still the same Tawanchai who eats street food as usual.

“It’s important not to get blinded by the spotlight and always remember that behind an able man, there are always other able men. Fame doesn’t stay for long. Don’t forget your true self.”

Coming from humble beginnings, Tawanchai knows what it’s like to rise from nothing, and for that reason, he’ll never feel above any of the fans who look up to him.

Though it’s a shock to the system when becoming a renowned personality, the PK Saenchai representative says he will always be happy to give anyone his attention — as long as the timing is right:

“I feel like what my fans like is my work. When they come to me and ask for a selfie or something, I’ll let them take pictures until they are satisfied. I don’t feel uncomfortable," he said.

“Except when I’m training or running. I’ll ask them to wait for me for a moment because I want to complete my training first.”

Tawanchai aims to use his popularity for the greater good

Tawanchai PK Saenchai’s fandom has seen an exponential rise since he entered ONE Championship in 2021.

Now with a massive platform to reach the global fan base, he wants to make sure he is sharing the right message.

Above all, the reigning ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion seeks to inspire more people to work out and be healthy — in particular through his beloved sport.

“I want my fame to become an inspiration for more people to exercise. When some people see my body or see my exercise clips on social media, I want them to feel excited after watching and to go exercise to make their body strong, too," he said.

While the majority of participants in Muay Thai have traditionally been men, Tawanchai is already noticing that his reach — and ONE Championship’s platform — is going beyond this.

With that in mind, he’s happy to be impacting an even wider audience.

“When I go running, there will be children, women, and old people coming and calling my name. And I saw many women who never watched Muay Thai before come to watch the fights live," he said.

“I feel very proud to be a part of making everyone turn to watching Muay Thai because Muay Thai is the heritage of the nation and everyone should support it.”

With his skill set, humility, and crossover appeal, it seems like the sky is the limit for Tawanchai.

The Pattaya native is on track to become the next global superstar in his sport, alongside legendary figures such as Saenchai, Buakaw, and reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon.

Tawanchai would be thrilled to make waves like the aforementioned Muay Thai icons, but he’s adamant that it still wouldn’t change him as a person.

“I would feel very honored if one day I can reach the same level and stand among the three of them, but I assure you that I will still be the same Tawanchai that everyone can easily reach, and I will work just as hard as before," he said.

JAY FURNESS [kjdsports@joongang.co.kr]