Thailand job change government Official accused of involvement in match-fixing scheme – Photo: Thai Rat
Bangkok, January 1, 2026 — A former Thai government official is at the center of a burgeoning match-fixing scandal that erupted on New Year’s Day, shaking the foundations of the nation’s celebrated combat sports scene. According to allegations, the individual illicitly gained over 10 million baht—roughly $280,000 USD—over the past two months by manipulating professional boxing outcomes.
Scandal Rocks Thai Boxing World
The claims, made public on social media, allege a systematic effort to compromise the integrity of boxing matches across Thailand.
- On January 1, 2026, Acharya Ruangrattanapong, president of the Crime Victims Support Association, publicly accused a former government official of match-fixing.
- The alleged scheme involved manipulating boxing matches at prominent venues like Rajadamnern and Channel 7 Stadium.
- The accused reportedly attempted to bribe fighters through PetchIndi Promotions, but the offer was declined.
- Thailand is a global hub for martial arts, including Muay Thai and mixed martial arts through ONE Championship.
- A female Muay Thai athlete has also filed a complaint alleging “medal manipulation” at the recent Southeast Asian Games.
Acharya Ruangrattanapong, president of the Crime Victims Support Association, brought the allegations to light on social media, claiming the individual had been fixing boxing matches for a prolonged period. “Who is he?” Acharya reportedly asked, according to reports. “According to internal sources, a Thai government official has been involved in match-fixing boxing matches over the past two months, and this official pocketed 10 million baht.”
The alleged match-fixing isn’t confined to a single venue. Acharya claims the manipulation occurred at several of Thailand’s most famous boxing stadiums, including Rajadamnern, Tawanna, Channel 7, and Om Noi. These arenas regularly host high-profile professional boxing matches, making the allegations particularly damaging.
“The mastermind behind this match-fixing incident is a former government official,” Acharya stated. “Despite being caught in the act several times, he shamelessly claims that he saw nothing and knew nothing.” He further alleged that the official recently attempted to secure a series of matches at Rangsit Stadium through PetchIndi Promotions, offering to pay appearance fees directly to the fighters—an offer the promoters refused.
Acharya is a well-known figure in Thailand, with established connections to former fighters and individuals involved in organized crime. His claims have ignited a firestorm within the Thai sports community, amplified by the accused’s former position within the government. The alleged embezzlement totals more than 10 million baht (approximately VND8.4 billion) in just two months.
This isn’t the first time match-fixing concerns have surfaced in Thai martial arts. Following the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, allegations of manipulation prompted direct condemnation from Thai Muay Thai athletes, who received widespread support from the national martial arts community.
Mongkuthphet Phetpraupa, a 45kg female Muay Thai athlete, took the extraordinary step of filing a complaint with the Thai Olympic Committee, alleging “medal manipulation” during the 33rd Southeast Asian Games. This latest scandal adds further fuel to the growing concerns about integrity within Thai sports.
