LUMPINEE STADIUM MURDER STORY

THE DEADLY HISTORY OF LUMPINEE STADIUM

The history of the legendary Lumpinee Stadium has not always been synonymous with glory. In the 1980s, it even went through a particularly dark period, marked by bloody episodes. Several gunshot murders were committed there, some within the very heart of the stadium.
At that time, Bangkok was under the influence of the city’s most powerful godfather, Mr. Kleo Thanikul, an influential promoter and owner of the famous Sor Thanikul camp. A bloody war broke out between rival factions, and Lumpinee sometimes became the scene of deadly tragedies, a brutal reflection of an era when the mafia and Muay Thai were closely linked.

On April 2, 1982, a major event was organized at the legendary Lumpinee Stadium: a charity gala entitled “The Battle for Great Charity.” A portion of the proceeds was to be donated to Phramongkutklao Hospital. At the helm of this exceptional evening were two renowned promoters: Mr. Wat Kiat Sompob and Mr. Song Kanchanutchasak.

That evening, the stadium was packed. The atmosphere was electric, the anticipation palpable. Among the spectators were many influential figures: the Minister of Agriculture, the Minister of Transportation, the director of the beneficiary hospital, as well as several high-ranking officers of the Thai army.

The highlight of the evening was a pinnacle clash between two legends of the ring: Nong Khai Sor Praphatson and Ruengsak Phetchyindee. The intensity of the fight kept the audience on the edge of their seats until the very last second. But just as the final round had ended and cheers echoed through the arena, an unexpected event turned the night into a horrific one.
A grenade was thrown toward the stand where Kleo Thanikul was seated. The explosion was violent. It tore through the air, blew away part of the structure and injured many people. Against all odds, Kleo Thanikul escaped unharmed—a miracle, some would say.

A few moments later, a second explosion rang out, followed by gunfire. Panic gripped the crowd. Shouts, shoving, total chaos: Lumpinee, the temple of Muay Thai, had become a war zone.

The attack left five dead and more than fifty seriously injured. Among the victims were two iconic Muay Thai figures: Amporn Suwan and Petchdam Muang Surin, former champions respected throughout the country.
Authorities quickly revealed that this bloody attack was a direct response to a previous settling of scores. On October 22, 1980, two of Kleo Thanikul’s close associates had been assassinated just outside the Ratchadamnoen stadium. That day, the main target was already Kleo himself, who narrowly escaped death.

Behind this violence loomed a power struggle between two men: Kleo Thanikul and his sworn enemy, Chaiwat Palangwattanakit, nicknamed Gnow Ha Phalang. Equally influential, the latter was also a boxing promoter and ran the famous Ha Phalang camp. Determined to eliminate Kleo by any means necessary, he was suspected of orchestrating several assassination attempts.

The bloody rivalry between Kleo Thanikul and Chaiwat “Gnow Ha Phalang” Palangwattanakit reached its peak on March 4, 1988, at a party organized at Lumpinee Stadium by the famous promoter Songchai Ratanasuban.
That evening, the match was spectacular: Chamophet Ha Phalang, voted Best Boxer of the Year in 1985, faced Langsuan Phayuthapum, crowned Best Boxer of the Year in 1987. The atmosphere was electric, the stadium packed. But everything changed in the fourth round.
Suddenly, gunfire rang out near the ring. Panic was immediate. A massive stampede ensued, leaving several dead and many injured. Among them was a seriously injured French spectator who was quickly evacuated to the hospital. Bodies littered the ground, abandoned in the general confusion. Promoter Songchai, who witnessed the scene, had no choice but to flee by climbing the stadium gates to escape the murderous rampage.
At the heart of this shooting, Chaiwat Palangwattanakit, alias Gnow Ha Phalang, was directly targeted: a bullet in the left eye, one in the back, and another in the chest. He was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Officially, the crime was never solved. Unofficially, everyone knew: it was Kleo Thanikul’s men who had struck.
Following this tragedy, Lumpinee Stadium was forced to drastically strengthen its security measures. Metal detectors were installed at the entrance, marking the end of an era where the mafia reigned unchecked behind the scenes of Muay Thai.

Kleo Thanikul didn’t grow up in luxury. His childhood was spent in the Jasmine Garden neighborhood, a place known at the time for its brothels and gangster dens. The environment was harsh, marked by poverty and violence. His older sister, sold to Bangkok in her youth, was later brought back to their hometown, an episode that deeply affected the young Kleo.
As a teenager, he learned to fight for survival. He entered the rings of provincial fairs under the fighter name “Thongchai Sit Sing.” And he wasn’t bad—quite the opposite. Many believe he could have had a solid career in boxing.

But Kleo’s destiny changed when he joined a gangster crew. He quickly rose through the ranks of the criminal underworld. Introduced to shady dealings, he developed a formidable instinct for power and control. From a mere henchman, he became a gang leader and then one of Bangkok’s most powerful godfathers.

At his peak, Kleo Thanikul controlled most of the capital’s casinos and owned several successful businesses that served as fronts for his underground activities. He maintained close ties with numerous politicians and high-ranking police officers. His reputation in the underworld was such that he was nicknamed “The Godfather of the Metropolitan Police.” A nickname that spoke volumes about the extent of his influence.

Kleo Thanikul ruled the Lumpinee fight promotion scene during the 1970s and early 1980s. Despite his reputation as one of the most influential criminals in Thai history, he is still seen today as a father figure of Muay Thai. He was one of the very first national promoters, helping to professionalize and popularize Thai boxing across the country.
But his influence wasn’t limited to Muay Thai: Kleo also made his mark in Boxing, organizing numerous prestigious galas in both disciplines.

For many, he embodies the golden age of Lumpinee—a troubled but legendary era.

Kleo Thanikul’s reign ended in bloodshed on April 5, 1991. That day, on Pinklao Avenue in Nakhon Chaisi, Sam Phran, near Bangkok, her convoy was ambushed with extreme violence. Her car, which also included her driver and bodyguards, was literally riddled with bullets. The heavily armed assailants opened fire with M16 assault rifles and grenade launchers. The vehicle exploded on impact, leaving the occupants no chance.

Kleo Thanikul was shot dead with unprecedented brutality: nearly sixty bullets struck her body. An execution worthy of a high-level settling of scores, marking the end of an era in the world of Muay Thai…

By Serge TREFEU