Former Thai Olympic boxer, Somluck Kamsing, who made history as the first athlete from Thailand to secure a gold medal, has been sentenced to over three years in prison for attempted rape and kidnapping of an underage girl, as reported by various news outlets including The Associated Press and The Bangkok Post.
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The 52-year-old retired boxer was found guilty by the provincial court in Khon Kaen of charges including attempted rape, abducting a minor aged between 15 and 18, taking a minor for indecent purposes, and committing an indecent act against a minor using force. The court also ordered Kamsing to pay $3,525 in compensation to the victim and $1,470 to her guardians.
After his sentencing, Kamsing was released on a bond of 300,000 baht (approximately $9,000 USD) and announced his intention to appeal the conviction. The incident leading to his conviction took place in December 2023, involving a 17-year-old girl from Kalasin, Thailand, who accused Kamsing of assaulting her in a hotel room after meeting at a club earlier that night.
Local police reported that the teenager had visible bruising on her breast and near her vagina, alleging that Kamsing attempted to rape her despite being unable to achieve an erection, resorting to rubbing himself against her aggressively. Kamsing denied the allegations, claiming that the encounter was consensual and that he stopped upon learning the girl’s true age.
In a separate development, a man who had transported Kamsing and the teenage girl to the hotel on his motorcycle on the night of the incident was also charged initially. While one of Kamsing’s associates was acquitted this week from charges related to the incident, it remains unclear if this was the same individual who was charged alongside the boxer in 2023.
Kamsing’s boxing career catapulted him to fame in Thailand during the late 1980s and 1990s, culminating in a gold medal win at the 1996 Olympic Games in the featherweight category. Following his retirement from boxing, Kamsing faced various controversies, including bankruptcy in 2018, which was resolved with the assistance of Thailand’s boxing association.
Post-retirement, Kamsing ventured into acting, featuring in television shows and films in pursuit of a new career path. Throughout his tumultuous journey, the former Olympic champion has grappled with personal setbacks, including a divorce and business failures, as detailed by The Associated Press.
The sentencing of Kamsing, a once-revered sports figure turned convicted felon, highlights the complexities and challenges faced by individuals navigating life beyond the spotlight. Despite his fall from grace, the overarching message remains one of accountability and the repercussions of one’s actions reverberating long after the cheers of victory have faded.