Tawanchai PK Saenchai: The Life and Fights of a Technical Phenom
The precise execution of Muay Thai’s fundamental techniques is at the very core of a muay femur’s success and longevity in the ring. Like Pudpadnoi Worawut, Chanchai Sor Tamarangsi, and Superlek Kiatmoo9, muay femurs seamlessly integrate teeps and kicks into their arsenal, employing them for both offence and defence.
As we witness the evolution of the modern day Muay Femur Maestro, Tawanchai PK Saenchai, let us explore this artist’s journey as he carves his path towards greatness one calculated step at a time.
| Birth Name: | Narongsak Kaewmala |
| Thai Name: | ตะวันฉาย พี.เค.แสนชัยมวยไทยยิม |
| Date of Birth: | April 7, 1999 |
| Place of Birth: | Pattaya, Thailand |
| Other Names: | Jatukam Petchrungruang, Tawanchai Chor Thaiset |
| Height: | 180 cm (5 ft 11 in) |
| Weight: | 70 kg (154 lb; 11 st) |
| Reach: | 71.5 in (182 cm) |
| Division: | Featherweight (155 lbs) (ONE) |
| Style: | Muay Femur |
| Fighting out of: | Bangkok, Thailand |
| Team: | P.K. Saenchai Muaythaigym |
From Comfort to Combat
Tawanchai was born in 1999 in Pattaya, Thailand. His family lived a comfortable life, with his father having a respectable job and providing well for the family. However, when Tawanchai was seven years old, his father’s fortunes took a downward turn and was declared bankrupt. The family were forced to sell possessions and do everything possible to survive.
As a child, Tawanchai’s father drove him past the Thepprasit Boxing Stadium in Nong Prue on the way to work every day, piquing his interest. After attending a Muay Thai event in Pattaya at the age of seven, Tawanchai’s passion for combat was ignited, and he began training at the Petchrungruang Camp soon after.
He had his first fight at a local bar aged seven under the name Jatukam Petchrungruang, winning by knockout in the first round.
Bangkok Bound
Tawanchai moved to Bangkok and made his debut in Lumpinee Stadium at the age of 14, winning his first fight by decision. In 2015, Tawanchai moved to the P.K. Saenchai Gym in Southern Bangkok to train with Thai legends like Saenchai, Singdam, Kaona, Kongsak, Muangthai and more. Under the mentorship of one of Muay Thai’s GOATs, Tawanchai hoped to refine his technique and tactical approach, drawing from the knowledge and skills passed down by generations of legendary figures.
Tawanchai had a strong first two years at Lumpinee Stadium, defeating Singtongnoi Kiatkittipan and Kompai Sor Jullasen by KO, and winning judges’ decisions against Kumantong Jitmuangnon and Yodpayak Phor Jaroenpeth.
However, during this period, Tawanchai had difficulty overcoming the prodigy Gingsanglek Tor Laksong at Rajadamnern Stadium, who was a year younger and just as hungry to climb the ranks of Bangkok’s best stadiums. Tawanchai also lost decisions to Nongview Phetkoson, Wanmechok Puhongtong, Petchrung Sitnayokkaipaedriew and Peemai Erawan.
Winning Streak
In February 2017, Tawanchai challenged Wayunoi Phetkiatphet for the 126 lbs Thailand title at Lumpinee Stadium, securing victory via judges’ decision.
Despite this positive start to 2017, Tawanchai suffered losses to Tito Hoywanpohchana and Mongkolchai Kwaitonggym.
However, from June that year, Tawanchai embarked on an 11-fight winning streak stretching 18 months, defeating Mongkolchai Kwaitonggym twice consecutively, followed by another consecutive pair of victories against Yok Parunchai. He then went on to defeat Ferrari Fairtex in a points victory in June of 2018, and won a judges’ decision against Nuenglanlek Jitmuangnon the following month.
In September 2018, Tawanchai faced off against “The Executioner” Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek-U-Thai in one of three consecutive bouts that would become known as one of the most entertaining trilogies of the modern era. Kulabdam had defeated Genji Umeno for the vacant 135 lbs Lumpinee title in February, and was in a rich vein of form having just knocked out “The Elbow Zombie” Muangthai in Koh Samui in July. In addition, Kulabdam was awarded the Sports Writers Association of Thailand Fighter of the Year just one year prior to their first meeting.
Solidification and ONE Championship
Over the next two years, Tawanchai fought “The Million Dollar Baby” Sangmanee Sor Tienpo three times, winning the first by KO, losing the second by decision, and winning the third by decision. He also fought muay khao Nuenglanlek Jitmuangnon on two occasions, winning the first by TKO in the fifth round, and winning the second by decision.
During this period, Tawanchai also made his mark on the international Muay Thai scene by competing in the -67kg Wu Lin Feng World Cup 2019/20 Chinese Kickboxing tournament. He defeated Zhang Wensheng, Ji Xiang, David Mejia and Jia Aoqi, before losing to Jia Aoqi in the semi-final.
In 2020, Tawanchai began a new chapter in his life as a nak muay by signing for ONE Championship. He fought Irishman Sean Clancy in his debut appearance in May 2021, winning by head kick KO.
A few months later, Tawanchai suffered his only loss in ONE Championship against the Thai Boxing and Kickboxing legend Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong, who emerged victorious via a split-decision in August that year.
In his very next fight, Tawanchai faced off against #1-ranked bantamweight contender Saemapetch Fairtex who held recent wins over the likes of Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek-U-Thai and Rodlek PK Saenchai. Before the match, Tawanchai declared that he and Saemapetch were the best of friends, but they both understood that they would give their all in the bout out of respect for one another.
Unfortunately, Tawanchai missed the -145 lbs weight limit for this fight, and Saemapetch accepted a catch-weight contest.
The fight ended in the very first round when Tawanchai unleashed a bullet left cross on the chin of Saemapetch, forcing the referee to stop the fight.
After the disappointment of missing weight, Tawanchai decided to move up to the -155 lbs division in order to eventually challenge Petchmorakot Petchyindee for the ONE Muay Thai Featherweight Championship. Following a second round KO of Niklas Larson in a ONE title eliminator in June, Tawanchai got his wish, and was booked to fight Petchmorakot for the belt in September of 2022.
Petchmorakot entered the ring on the back of three title defences against Yodsanklai Fairtex, Magnus Andersson and Jimmy Vienot. He was the inaugural featherweight champion and had held the title for almost three years.
Though Tawanchai was most likely behind midway through the bout, he staged a remarkable comeback in the fifth and final round, throwing left hands and left kicks that left a lasting impression on the judges. Tawanchai won the bout via a unanimous decision, exiting the ONE arena with the gold strap draped over his shoulder.
In 2023, he then successfully defended his title against Jamal Yusupov and Superbon Singha Mawynn, respectively.
Charting the Path to Glory
Following his razor-thin win over Jo Nattawut in their recent rematch at ONE 167, Tawanchai is slated for a trilogy bout with Jo at ONE 169. Their last encounter was a grueling bout that tested both fighters to their limits, ending in a majority decision favouring Tawanchai. This upcoming fight promises to be another thrilling chapter in their rivalry, with both fighters eager to settle the score decisively.
At 25 years old, Tawanchai has already cemented his name among the elite as the reigning ONE Muay Thai Featherweight Champion. Riding an eight-fight winning streak, questions naturally arise about the longevity of his reign. Yet, as with any true champion, Tawanchai continues to defy the odds, displaying a blend of technical mastery and immense physicality that has fans from all corners of the globe tuning in to watch his fights.
As we witness his muay femur magic unfold with each fight, one thing remains certain: Tawanchai’s legacy is still in the making, and his path to Muay Thai greatness seems far from over.
