THE SANTI UBON GYM, THE CAMP OF THE RISING STAR DOKMAYPAH SANTI UBON
THE SANTI UBON GYM, THE CAMP OF THE RISING STAR DOKMAYPAH SANTI UBON!
by Serge TREFEU (2025)
The gym’s owner, Mr. Santi Phothingam, is a veteran of the prestigious Por Muang Ubon camp, run by Professor Kong Phot Wong Muang Chan. In the 1990s, this camp was one of the most renowned in the Isaan region (northeast Thailand).
At the time, Santi fought under the name Santi Por Muang Ubon. He fought around fifty fights under the colors of this legendary gym during its golden age.
The Por Muang Ubon Gym then boasted ring legends such as Orono Por Muang Ubon (Lumpinee champion, voted best boxer of the year in 1994), Nungtrakan Por Muang Ubon (world champion), and Nungubon Sitlerchai, crowned Lumpinee champion in four different categories.
Mr. Santi Phothingam subsequently ran his own boxing camp for several years in the town of Nai Mueang, located in Ubon Ratchathani province. Founded in 2010, this camp has produced numerous talented fighters who have achieved excellent results.
However, two boxers have particularly stood out: Ronachai Santi Ubon and Thepbut Sit Ubon, considered the true jewels of his gym.
Ronachai was a true ring prodigy, a precocious boxer with exceptional talent. He single-handedly won three belts at the prestigious Lumpinee stadium: 105 lbs, 112 lbs in 2015, and 118 lbs in 2017. That same year, 2015, he was named “Best Boxer of the Year” by the Lumpinee stadium, a fine distinction. Ronachai subsequently represented the famous Petsiri Gym in Bangkok for several years.
Thepbut, for his part, also shone in the rings, winning the Channel 7 (TV7) stadium champion title in 2017 in the 130 lbs category, another boxing hotspot in Thailand.
In 2021, Mr. Santi Phothingam relocated and founded a new boxing camp, which opened in the outlying Ban Kut La neighborhood of Ubon Ratchathani. This new location now houses his personal residence, as well as the camp’s infrastructure, consisting of small huts serving as living quarters for his boxers. The grounds also house a fighting cock farm, another long-time passion of Mr. Santi Phothingam’s.
A lifelong boxing enthusiast, he is dedicated to training young people in his region, passing on his knowledge and experience to a new generation of fighters. In recognition of his commitment, he was elected secretary of the Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Muay Thai Professional Association in 2022.
Today, the Santi Ubon Gym has around twenty boxers, including four female fighters, supervised by a team of four experienced coaches: Khru Nui Roi Kik, Khru Ramba Roi Rak, Khru Ta Roi Mia, and Khru Frok Roi Lila.
Several boxers have distinguished themselves by winning provincial belts, and some regularly fight in Bangkok, in the country’s most prestigious rings.
Dokmaypah, 20 year, is currently the rising star of Santi Ubon Gym. A true in-house product, he has been trained since his beginnings by Khru Santi Phothingam, who has supported him throughout his professional career.
An explosive fighter with a formidable style, Dokmaypah boasts a magnificent record of 72 fights, with 61 wins, 10 losses, and 1 draw. He has notably distinguished himself with a high number of victories by knockout, including his last five fights, won before the limit against ranked opponents. These performances propelled him to number 1 in the 122 lbs rankings at the Rajadamnern stadium in Bangkok.
In January 2023, at the Rangsit Stadium (Pathum Thani), Dokmaypah made his mark by winning the grand final of the “Muay Thai Future Build” tournament, organized by the famous Petchyindee promotion. He won on points against Yodkla Por Witsawet, securing the victory and the 500,000 baht check reserved for the winner!
Most recently, on May 8, 2025, in the Rajadamnern Stadium ring, Dokmaypah faced Diesellek Petchyindee Academy, then PRYDE TV 122 lbs champion and True4U champion in the same weight class. In a highly anticipated bout, Dokmaypah knocked him out, capturing the PRYDE TV belt and pocketing a bounty of 300,000 baht for this dazzling performance!
Santi Ubon Gym’s other rising star is Petchnikom Santi Ubon. Only 14 years old, this promising young talent is nicknamed “The Rhinoceros of Ubon” due to his power and determination in the ring. In 2024, he racked up seven consecutive victories, crowned by the Ubon Ratchathani regional championship belt.
The camp also boasts several top fighters who regularly compete in the Bangkok rings, including Kongthoranee Santi Ubon (18 years old) and Kongsiam Santi Ubon (19 years old), both of whom are constantly improving.
Over the years, the Santi Ubon Gym has also attracted foreign fighters: Germans, English fighters, and more recently, a Japanese boxer have trained at the Santi Ubon Gym. The latter distinguished himself by winning a provincial belt in Ubon Ratchathani, while wearing the gym’s colors.
Foreigners are welcome, provided they are willing to commit fully and train with discipline in the demanding conditions of an authentic camp in rural Isaan.
