Prince of Chumphon (Sadej Tia) - Abhakara Kiartivongse
His familiar other names "Sadej Tia" (the word is called for "Royal Father") or Prince of Chumphon, will command deep respect from Thai people from navy officers to rural villagers.
*Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, Prince of Chumphon, (19 December 1880 – 19 May 1923)
He spent his early years studying Naval warfare in England. He returned to Thailand (Siam) to serve in the Royal Siamese Navy and contributed significantly to the advancement and modernization of the Navy.
In 1922 he saw that Sattahip Bay was a strategic place for the establishment a Naval base and offered Royal land in Sattahip in order to build the present-day naval facilities. In honor of his contributions, the Prince was proclaimed "The Father of Royal Thai Navy".
In addition to his career in the navy, Prince of Chumphon studied medicine. He was particularly interested in the use of Herbal Medicine in treating his patients. As "Doctor Phon", he provided medical treatment to people of all classes and races.
The Prince was also well recognized in the field of supernatural arts. His reputation on magic was such that he has been regarded as one of the "108 deities in heavens". Many worshippers proclaim themselves to be his "children" or followers and pray to him for fulfillment of their wishes.
Prince of Chumphon also have *Muay Thai skill. In the Vajirawut Kingship, He trained Muay Thai boxers whether it is Tub Jumkor, Young Hantaley, Too Thaiprasert and Poon Sakda who is Nakhon Ratchasima people.
*A little about 'Muay Thai'
Muay Thai is referred to as “The Art of Eight Limbs”; and using eight points of contact the body mimics weapons of war. The hands become the sword and dagger; the shins and forearms were hardened in training to act as armor against blows, and the elbow to fell opponents like a heavy mace or hammer; the legs and knees became the axe and staff. The body operated as one unit. The knees and elbows constantly searching and testing for an opening while grappling and trying to spin an enemy to the ground for the kill.
Muay Thai's history can also be traced to the middle of the 16th century. During the battles between the Burmese of the Konbaung Dynasty and Siam, the famous fighter, Nai Khanomtom, was captured in the year 1767. The Burmese knew of his expertise in hand-to-hand combat and gave him an opportunity to fight for his freedom. Soon after winning the match, he was freed by his captors and allowed to return to Siam. He was acknowledged as a hero, and his fighting style became known as Siamese-Style boxing, later to be known as "Muay Thai".
Muay Thai became widespread internationally in the twentieth century, when practitioners defeated notable practitioners of other martial arts. A professional league is governed by the World Muay Thai Council.
