A Thai boxer poisoning case is under investigation after CCTV footage at a boxing stadium allegedly showed a member of a boxing team handing a drink to a fighter before a bout on March 28.
Avatar PK Saenchai Muay Thai gym shared on its official Facebook page last month that one of its boxers, Supachai Sakunwong, also known as Pharuehatnoi S. Sommai, was suspected of being drugged before fighting at Siam Om Noi Boxing Stadium in Samut Prakan province.
Pharuehatnoi fought Mammoth S. Salachip of Sor Salachip boxing camp and was defeated. After the bout, he was rushed to hospital in serious condition.
The gym said the boxer was urinating continuously and was severely exhausted. Medical staff later reported that he was at risk of kidney failure, but his condition improved quickly and he was later discharged.
After leaving hospital, Pharuehatnoi filed a complaint with Krathumbaen Police Station. He and the gym initially suspected the poisoning may have happened at a hotel near the stadium where he had been staying before the fight.
Police rejected that possibility, saying all fighters undergo medical checks at the stadium before competing. Officers said any substance already in his system before he arrived at the venue should have been detected during those examinations.
After about a month of investigation, Channel 7 reported that police obtained CCTV footage from the day of the incident. Officers hope the footage will lead to the suspect’s arrest.
In the video, Pharuehatnoi is seen sitting with three trainers while waiting for the bout. One member of the boxing team is then seen handing him a bottle of energy drink, which was suspected to be spiked.
Channel 7 also reported that the gym staff member seen in the footage had previously denied giving Pharuehatnoi any food or drink that day, contradicting the video evidence.
Police plan to summon the staff member for questioning. Officers are also continuing their investigation into whether others may have been involved.
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