The followings are from the interview with sport reporter and muaythai analyst Bancha Ondee who was asked to discuss about the upcoming muaythai matches of the upcoming week.

“Hello to all readers of muaymag.com. Up to this moment, the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) is still holding an anti-government protest near Makkawarn Rangsan Bridge and Ratchadamnern Stadium. Although the government and police have guaranteed safety of the stadium spectators, especially the foreign tourists, but the protest has caused a great concern that a confrontation would occur anyway.”

“Unlike Lumpini and other stadiums, Ratchadamnern had never been popular with the international spectators to begin with. The PAD protest even lowered the number in a recent event to only 16 international spectators, the lowest number ever for Ratchadamnern.”

“Several days ago, the promoters of the stadium as well as the fighters were staging their own protest against the PAD who caused them to lose money from the matches.”

“Interestingly, many people believe that good events will always get good crowds. The Sor Sommai event, for example, got a great crowd and was able to generate 1.1 million Baht despite its tickets that were priced as low as 200 Baht.”

The popularity of the Euro Cup 2008 has added insult to injury for the muaythai promoters of Ratchadamnern Stadium who have already been suffering weeks of low attendance due to the nearby ongoing anti-government protests of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

Promoter “Ang Mor” Chucharoen Rawee-aramwong could not take it anymore. He decided to lead a party of fighters, spectators, and crew staff to meet with the PAD at Makkawarn Rangsan Bridge.

Chucharoen reportedly begged the PAD leaders to relocate their stage to a different location as it had scared away the muaythai spectators from Ratchadamnern Stadium.

The PAD protesters, who are known for their stubbornness, are not likely to move away any day soon. Not even Chucharoen’s tear can change their minds.

Perhaps Chucharoen’s rally should focus on a more vulnerable target, like the executives of Ratchadamnern Stadium.  
 

News: Muaysiam number 1808

Although Thailand and many other countries are currently gripped with the Euro Cup fever, the international muaythai calendar is still packed with upcoming events.

First, there is the K-1 World Max World Championship Tournament Quarter Final on July 7 at Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, Japan. The matches include Andy Souwer vs. Warren Stevelmans, Yasuhiro Sato vs. Artur Kyshenko, Masato vs. Gago Drago, and Superblack Buakaw Por Pramuk vs. Yoshihiro Sato.

In addition to the K-1 quarter final, the Japan event will feature the 60 kilogram weight matches of Andre Dida vs. Remigijus Morkevicius who once trained at Jitti Gym, former nemesis of Phacharnsuek S.K.V. Gym Aalviar Lima vs. Mark Vogel, Albert Kraus vs. Mike Zambidis, Haruaki Otsuki vs. David Douge, Susumu Daiguji vs. Konstantin Trishin, and Daisuke Uematsu vs. Eddy Juozapavicius.

If the 60 kilogram weight class becomes popular, the muaythai fans will certainly see more Thai fighters in Japanese events.

The Holland vs. Thailand event, organized by Slamm Promotion with support of WBC, will be on November 30. The Thai fighters will include Yodsanklai Fairtex, Anuwat Kaewsamrid, Saenchai Sor Kingstar, Bowee Sor Udomsorn, Lamsongkram Chuwattana, and Saiyoknoi Poompanmuang.