MMA Leader Mourns Nonthaburi Official Shot Dead

Sirichet Poonthipayananth, president of the Thai Mixed Martial Arts Association (TAMMA), has posted a tribute to Pol. Col. Thongchai Yenpraserit, governor of Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization, who was fatally shot by Chalot Liewpraing, a former Nonthaburi MP, and later died at Phra Nang Klao Hospital. Sirichet expressed deep sorrow over Thongchai's passing, describing him as an essential figure for Thai MMA and combat sports. Throughout TAMMA's journey, Sirichet said, there were many critical moments when Thongchai's support, trust, and assistance proved indispensable—particularly when Thailand hosted the Southeast Asian Games and MMA was among the sports requiring coordinated promotion and successful competition organization. Without Thongchai's leadership, Sirichet noted, those difficult and stressful efforts would not have succeeded. Thongchai was not merely a sponsor but a knowledgeable leader who understood the fighting sports industry, respected his colleagues, and recognized the importance of building a strong foundation for Thai MMA. Sirichet expressed particular sadness that just days before, they had discussed youth development and the future of Thai fighting sports, not realizing that conversation would be one of their last. He pledged that TAMMA will remember Thongchai as a pivotal figure in the history of Thai MMA, and offered condolences to his family and all who respected him, hoping that the legacy he created throughout his life will benefit his spirit in the afterlife. Sirichet concluded by noting that although some people leave the sport, the foundations they build remain within it forever.