Samranthong Kiatbanchong
Samran Chumanee, known professionally as Samranthong Kiatbanchong, was a Thai professional Muay Thai fighter. He was a high ranked fighter at the Lumpinee Stadium during the 1980s and 1990s. He was the older brother of Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong, also a successful and famous Muay Thai fighter.
Biography and career
Samran Chumanee was born in the village of Thung Yai in Thung Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand on July 16,1971. He came from a family of nine children, of which he was the eighth child, and was raised by his widowed mother who worked on a rubber plantation.
He spent his professional career training at the Kiatbanchong gym alongside fighters such as his brother, Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong, as well as Oley Kiatoneway and Jaroensap Kiatbanchong.
He fought during the Golden Era of Muay Thai against many notable fighters including Kongtoranee Payakaroon, Samransak Muangsurin, Wangchannoi Sor.Palangchai, Langsuan Panyuthaphum, Namkabuan Nongkeepahuyuth, Boonlai Sor.Thanikul, Pairot Wor.Walapon, Dokmaipa Por Pongsawang, Jongsanan Fairtex,Nuathoranee Thongracha, and Ritthichai Lookchaomaesaitong.
Samranthong died following a car accident on February 16, 2008, at the age of 37.