Maitri Netmanee

Orachunnoi was born in 1950 in the city of Tkhakek, Laos from thai parents working at the border. He grew up in the Ubon Ratchathani province where he started Muay Thai training at the age of 10 with his uncle. He later joined the Hor Machachai camp in Bangkok.

On the main circuit in Bangkok he rapidly established himself as the best fighter around the flyweight limit, winning a Lumpinee stadium title. Due to his domination in the lighter divisions he was put in numerous weight handicap matches with differences going as high as 12 lbs. He was famous for his ability to turn tides at the last second generating a massive income for spectactors who gambled on him, he was granted the nickname "The poor man's favorite". He was a spectacular fighter known for his reverse elbow attacks and surprising spinning kick techniques, at the peak of his career during the mid-1970s he was receiving purses going as high as 45,000 baht.

Orachunnoi had to undergo surgery for appendicitis in 1970 and disappeared from the rings for almost a year. He returned to competition and became a Lumpinee Champion for the second time when he was selected for the Thai national amateur boxing team. He won several medals at major gatherings such as the Asian Championship, the World Military Boxing Championship and the SEA Games all in the flyweight division.[1]

Orachunnoi retired from competition in 1989 after losing to rising star Detduang Por Pongsawang. He married a nursing assistant in Ubon Ratchathani, had 3 children and became a trainer for the camp "Por.Thawatchai" before moving to Japan. Back to Thailand and after 25 years working as a trainer he opened a coffee shop at the Sri Maha Pho Hospital in Ubon Ratchathani province.[2]

On March 6, 2020, Orachunnoi was inducted to the Siam Kela Muay Thai Hall of Fame at the 14th Siam Sports Awards.[3][4]

• Lumpinee Stadium
• 2x Lumpinee Stadium 108 lbs Champion