Thai Child Foundation Praises Verdict in First Olympic Medalist’s Case

gold medalist
Khon Kaen Provincial Court or Khon Kaen District Court

BANGKOK  — Thailand’s first Olympic gold medalist, Somrak Kamsing, 52, has been sentenced to three years, one month, and 10 days in prison for sexual offenses against a minor. The Khon Kaen Provincial Court found him guilty of abducting and assaulting a 17-year-old girl in December 2023.

The Child, Youth and Family Foundation welcomed the verdict, calling it “a first step in restoring justice” for the victim. However, the foundation’s secretary-general, Chuwit Chantharos, expressed concern about media coverage, noting that some outlets provided excessive details that could harm the victim’s mental well-being.

somrak
Somrak Kamsing, Thailand’s first Olympic gold medalist and former boxer, speaks to reporters about his plan to appeal after the court’s verdict in an attempted rape case involving a minor on January 23, 2025.

“The victim and family have faced severe social media judgment. While this initial verdict provides some justice, it confirms that no adult should sexually abuse minors under any circumstances,” said Chantharos on January 24. He urged media outlets to exercise caution in their reporting, citing potential violations of the 2013 Child Protection Act.

The case gained attention when the victim’s family sought help through the Khon Kaen Children and Family Home, fearing unfair treatment due to Kamsing’s celebrity status and political background. The foundation provided legal support, working alongside public prosecutors.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Kamsing, who won gold in boxing at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, was ordered on January 23 to pay 170,000 baht in total compensation to the victim and her guardians. He has indicated he will appeal the verdict, while a second defendant, identified as his close associate, was acquitted.

AP25023453755704
FILE – Thailand’s Somluck Kamsing, left, competes against Bulgaria’s Serafim Todorov during the gold medal 57kg featherweight boxing match at the Centennial Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta Sunday, Aug. 4, 1996. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

Somrak began his fighting career as a traditional Muay Thai boxer before transitioning to boxing. He competed as a featherweight and won his gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. His post-boxing career proved rocky, including a failed gas station business and a divorce. He has two children, including his daughter Rakwanee “Best” Kamsing, who is an actress and famous YouTuber.

________________