THE WBC HONORS KING BHUMIBOL

The World recently lost a great man, who championed  Boxing- the King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej, whose wisdom, vision and dedication opened so many doors to international boxing there,  in addition to promoting a traditional sport of his country- Mauy Thai.
King Bhumibol was always close to World Boxing Council, enjoying an excellent  friendship with President Jose Sulaiman Chagnon, who he twice received in his palace. In 1993 the King rewarded  Don Jose with a medal of the Order in the Third Degree and in 2003 with the Royal Award as Knight Commander 2nd. Class of the Order of Direkgunabhorn, recognizing his tremendous, sustained, dedicated  and successful work  in developing  Thai boxing to the highest levels.
At the request of the King, 20 years ago, the WBC started a successful and innovative cooperation in boosting  Muay Thai, so much so, that it`s  garnered and gained many fans and great exponents worldwide. It continues to prosper and flourish.
The King, who born on December 5, 1927, was dedicated and devoted  to his people who loved, admired and respected him.  Married with Queen Sirikit, they had four children, Sirindhorn, Vajiralongkorn, Chulabhorn Walalailak and Ubolratana Rajkanya.
King Bhumibol had a long reign of 70 years, fostering and maintaining unity among Thailand`s  people since 1946, when he came to the throne. The WBC held six magnificent conventions in Thailand. Three of them in Bangkok, while the others were  in Phuket, Chiang Mai and Pattaya.
General Kovid Bhakdibhumi, President of the ABCO (Asian Boxing Council), Federation affiliated with the WBC, has done a tremendous job with his team: Kiate Sirigul and Patrick Cusick, who work alongside our beloved Edward Thangarajah.
With the death of  beloved King Bhumibol, a golden era is over. There is an ongoing need to continue working on promoting boxing and Muay Thai,  to honor the legacy, example  and memory of His Royal Highness.

The Prime Minister of Thailand has announced  a year of mourning decree, and of course this is something that the WBC and ABCO join with.  There will be a series of homages and tributes to the memory of this memorable Royal…the unforgettable King Bhumibol