Kongthoranee Sor Sommai has reached the biggest stage of martial arts competition, but he never forgets the roots that helped him get there. 

The Thai star is gearing up to meet ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 in a Muay Thai contest inside the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, at ONE Friday Fights 68 this Friday, June 28, but he took time out of preparation to discuss his upbringing. 

How did Kongthoranee Sor Sommai enter the fighting realm?

Born in the central province of Phetchabun, Thailand, Kongthoranee was exposed to hard work early in his life. His parents separated when he was just a toddler, leaving him to be raised by his grandparents, whom he had to help support.

However, along the way, they taught values that would help form his personality and also introduced him to Muay Thai. 

“I grew up and was raised by my grandparents since I was 3 years old. My grandfather worked by burning charcoal to sell. They taught me to be humble and respectful of elders,” Kongthoranee said. 

“You could say that my grandfather was my first coach. He trained me to be disciplined and set goals for me.”

The future ONE star followed the same path as many children in Thailand by testing his skills in competition for the first time at a young age. Like his compatriots, the hope was that he could earn money for his household by fighting. 

Though his first venture was unsuccessful, Kongthoranee recognized that Muay Thai could benefit his family if he improved. 

“I fought for the first time at a local event in Phetchabun. That fight, I lost by knockout. I received a purse of 150 baht (approximately US$4). I’m glad I got the money, but I also wanted to win, so I came back to train harder,” he said.

The more Kongthoranee focused on development, the more success he enjoyed, and he soon appeared on the radar of bigger promoters and trainers from Bangkok. 

Kongthoranee talks about his achievements

They saw promise, which led to him taking a leap of faith and moving to the Thai capital. The Sor Sommai standout was rewarded with bigger fights as a result, leading him to win multiple accolades in competitions across Thailand.

“A major turning point in my Muay Thai career came at the age of 13 when a prominent figure in the industry, Naa Dang Khao Thrai, invited me to pursue my dreams in the capital city with the Sor Sommai gym,” Kongthoranee recalled.

“It has been over 11 years since then, and I have earned the prestigious titles of Rajadamnern Stadium World Champion in the 122- and 135-pound divisions, as well as the Thai National Champion in the 135-pound division. These titles are a testament to my skills.”

The 27-year-old powerhouse will meet his toughest challenge at ONE Friday Fights 68.

And though he isn’t competing for ONE gold against Superlek, his fellow Thai currently holds the top-ranked contender position in the flyweight Muay Thai division. So, a win would undoubtedly vault Kongthoranee into World Title contention.