According to Thai media, Singfangkhong Petchtawan is in the process of pressuring for weight to qualify for the 56kg category at the top Thai Muay Thai tournament - Thai Fight, taking place on July 25.
However, when his body was severely dehydrated, he suffered from anaphylactic shock and fainted. Although he was taken to the hospital for emergency treatment, the Lao fighter did not survive on July 22. Medical examination results determined that the cause of death was acute kidney failure due to excessive weight loss.
The passing of Singfangkhong Petchtawan shocked the Muay Thai community. Herro Muay Thai wrote: "A heartbreaking story that the martial arts world should not ignore. He did not lose in boxing but ended his life because of weightlifting. A young fighter passed away before he could step up to the ring in the tournament he had always dreamed of. The cause comes from the harsh pressure of weight that makes the body exhausted".
In fact, being overweight is not just a problem for Muay Thai. In MMA, there have been fighters who have passed away from dehydration and physical weakness. Major organizations such as One Championship are forced to change regulations to protect the safety of fighters.
Even professional boxing has recorded many cases of kidney failure, affecting health because the weightlifting process has lasted throughout her career.
