The decision by the government to allow sporting events during the thirty days “show of respect” is one His Majesty would have approved of. The following article will hopefully show this.
King Bhumibol was an avid sports fan and often attended events to watch Thai athletes compete or kept an eye on their performances on television.
His support inspired a large number of the Kingdom’s stars to glory at the highest level.
In Athens in 2004 Thailand had a good Olympic boxing squad which included Somjit Jongjohor, Manus Boonjumnong, Worapoj Petchkoom and Suriya Prasarthinphimai.
Coached by Cuban Juan Fontanils, the team received a message from the King during the Games, wishing them success.
Manus stated ahead of his light-welterweight final against Cuba’s Yudel Johnson that the King’s message gave him power. Although he was the underdog, he won convincingly to take the gold medal.
After the fight Manus dedicated his gold medal to the King.
Athens was the Thai boxing team’s most successful Olympics as they took home three medals via Manus, Worapoj (silver) and Suriya (bronze).
The King was at Bangkok’s Lumpini stadium when boxer Pone Kingpetch fought world flyweight title-holder Pascual Perez of Argentina on April 16, 1960.
Pone defeated Perez to become Thailand’s first world boxing champion and the King granted him an audience in the royal box.
His Majesty congratulated him and patted him on the back leaving Pone to later declare that he was was so happy that he cried.
Pone lost the title to Fighting Harada in Japan in 1962 but got a rematch at Bangkok’s Gymnasium 1, now Nimibutr, the following year .
Most observers ringside thought that Pone was trailing Harada after six rounds. His cornerman then told Pone that the King had just arrived at the venue.
This inspired Pone to fight harder and beat the Japanese after 15 rounds on points.
Even when the King was in hospital, he still offered his support for Thai athletes.
In 2014, the King was staying at Siriraj Hospital when he watched the Thai national football team play Malaysia on TV in the second leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup Final in Kuala Lumpur.
Having won 2-0 in the first leg in Bangkok, Thailand were 2-0 behind at half-time in Malaysia.
The King’s doctor Prof Udom Kachintorn said that the King instructed his private secretary to phone the Thai team to tell them that he was watching the match on TV .
Thailand then came back to lose 3-2 on the night but won 4-3 on aggregate. Thus ending their 12-year title drought in the South-East Asian Championship .
Dr Udom quoted the King as simply saying after the match, “Brilliant ! ”
These are just a few snippets from the King’s long involvement in sport but it does show his deep love of all sports but in particular how he could inspire Thai competitors to greater heights.
(Thanks to Bangkok Post)