The Sports Writers Association of Thailand began awarding Muay Thai fighters the prestigious Fighter of the Year award in 1984. The organization has given out the trophy in March of almost every year since.
Exceptions were in 2019 and 2020 due to the lack of traditional five-round Muay Thai fights during the COVID pandemic, and in 2023 because the pool of fighters competing in traditional Muay Thai wasn’t deep enough. Fact is, most of the top fighters began competing in three-round entertainment Muay Thai.
To accommodate, the Sports Writers Association created the Muay Thai Hybrid Fighter of the Year award in 2023 and has been giving out the trophy ever since.
Best Muay Thai Fighter Of The Year Award Winners
For fighters competing under the five-round traditional Muay Thai format.
| Year | Fighter |
|---|---|
| 1984 | Kongtoranee Payakaroon |
| 1985 | Chamuakpet Hapalang |
| 1986 | Panomtuanlek Hapalang |
| 1987 | Langsuan Panyuthaphum |
| 1988 | Samart Payakaroon |
| 1989 | Kaensak Sor Ploenjit |
| 1990 | Kaensak Sor Ploenjit |
| 1991 | Saenmuangnoi Lukjaopormahesak |
| 1992 | Jaroensap Kiatbanchong |
| 1993 | Wangchannoi Sor Palangchai |
| 1994 | Orono Por Muang Ubon |
| 1995 | Kaoponglek Luksuratam |
| 1996 | Namsaknoi Yudthagarngamtorn |
| 1997 | Anantasak Panyuthaphum |
| 1998 | Kaolan Kaovichit |
| 1999 | Saenchai Sor Kingstar |
| 2000 | Fahsuchon Sit-O |
| 2001 | Thongchai Tor Silachai |
| 2002 | Singdam Kiatmuu9 |
| 2003 | Anuwat Kaewsamrit |
| 2004 | Anuwat Kaewsamrit |
| 2005 | Nong-O Sit-Or |
| 2006 | Jomthong Pomkwannarong |
| 2007 | Wuttidet Lukprabat |
| 2008 | Saenchai Sor Kingstar |
| 2009 | Rungruanglek Lukprabat |
| 2010 | Kongsak Sitboonmee |
| 2011 | PenEk Sitnumnoi |
| 2012 | Yodwicha Por Boonsit/Sangmanee Sor Tienpo |
| 2013 | Panpayak Jitmuangnon |
| 2014 | Panpayak Jitmuangnon |
| 2015 | Panpayak Jitmuangnon |
| 2016 | PhetUtong Or Kwanmuang |
| 2017 | Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek-U-Thai |
| 2018 | Rungnarai Kiatmuu9 (revoked) |
| 2019 | Not awarded |
| 2020 | Not awarded |
| 2021 | Ferrari Fairtex |
| 2022 | Chalamdam Nayokathasala |
| 2023 | Not awarded |
| 2024 | Khunsueklek Boomdeksian |
Best Muay Thai Hybrid Fighter Of The Year Award Winner
For fighters competing under the three-round entertainment Muay Thai format.
| Year | Fighter |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Tawanchai PK Saenchai |
| 2024 | Nabil Anane |
Found This Guide Helpful?
Hey there, I'm John – a former Muay Thai commentator who's called fights at Rajadamnern, Lumpinee, and other top stadiums since moving to Bangkok in 2014. This comprehensive guide represents over 10 years of ringside experience and saves you hours of research.
Buy John a $5 virtual coffee -- if this guide helped you choose the right stadium, understand ticket pricing, pick the best seats, or more. Each $5 coffee helps me maintain the most accurate Muay Thai stadium guides available.
Your support also means that I can continue providing free, unbiased advice for you and the thousands of others who want to experience an exciting part of Thai culture. Thank you!