Saen Ploenchit

Saen Sor Ploenchit, was once declared Thailand’s national hero when he won the World Boxing Association flyweight champion in 1995. This five feet six inches tall Thai boxer was born on May 18, 1972 in Pratum Thani Province. He declares Pathum Thani as his home town in Thailand. He graduated from Bangkok Physical Education College in his academic years.

In November 1996, he lost his belt to a Venezuelan contender. He came back on the ring and competed but failed to make a memorable return. He then made a living by taking part in small matches across the country but he had to retire in 2005 due to age.

During his success in his boxing career, Sean was over spending his earnings by spending Bt5,000 to Bt10,000 a day. He also bought a house for his parents and a land for himself worth around Bt7 million, but his splurging habit did not last long. After spending almost all of his riches, the Thai boxing star had to learn how to live with Bt50 a day. The bank had confiscated his land which he had put up as collateral to a friend’s business which later on failed.

"Sometimes I spend all day with my pockets empty… But I have survived the worst. Now I know I can even live on Bt10 a day," he says.

At age 37, Sean was employed as an assistant boxing coach in the Sports and Recreation Development Office to Thai amateur boxers who joined the 4th Asian Youth Games last July 2008.

"Now I have a chance to start once again. I will do my best on the job," he promises.