Apidej Sit-Hirun

Era: Pre-Golden Era · late 1950s–mid-1970s
Weight: Welterweight · 147 lbs
Stance: Orthodox
Style: Muay Tae
Camp: Sit-Hirun
Stadiums: Lumpinee · Rajadamnern
Active: c. 1958–1976

Apidej Sit-Hirun is regarded as one of the most important power kickers in the history of Muay Thai. Competing from the late 1950s through to the mid-1970s, he established himself as one of the leading welterweights of his generation through his kicking power, physical strength and ability to control fights from distance.

Apidej was a classic Muay Tae, with his round kicks forming the foundation of his style. He was known for kicking the arms and body with considerable power, using his kicks not only to score but to damage opponents and restrict their movement. He could also use his knees effectively at close range and was comfortable fighting at the pace required over five rounds.

His career took place during a period before the highly developed stylistic distinctions of the later Golden Era. The emphasis was often on physical strength, durability and the ability to impose damage, and Apidej became particularly well known for the effect of his kicks on opponents. Reports from the period describe fighters suffering significant injuries while attempting to block them.

Apidej competed regularly at both Lumpinee and Rajadamnern Stadium, becoming a champion at welterweight at both venues. He won the Rajadamnern title in 1962 and successfully defended it three times. He later won the Lumpinee welterweight championship in 1964 and again in 1967, while also holding the Thailand national welterweight title in 1964.

He faced many of the leading fighters of his era, including Dejrit Itthianuchit, Kongdej Lukbangplasoi, Pudpadnoi Worawut and Sompong Charoenmuang. His career also included Western boxing, reflecting the overlap between Muay Thai and boxing that was common among leading Thai fighters of the period.

Apidej's documented Muay Thai record is listed at 74 wins, 23 losses and 1 draw, although records from this period are incomplete and do not include every provincial fight or exhibition. His exact knockout total is also unknown, with many of his stoppages coming through kicks and knees.

His importance to Muay Thai was recognised nationally, and he was later honoured as Muay Thai Fighter of the Century by King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

After retiring from competition, Apidej moved into coaching and worked at Fairtex, where he helped train later generations of fighters. His influence included fighters such as Yodsanklai Fairtex.

Apidej died in 2013 after suffering from lung cancer.

His legacy is closely associated with the development of the power-kicking style in Muay Thai. Long before the technical depth of the Golden Era became the standard by which fighters were judged, Apidej demonstrated how a strong, well-developed round kick could control distance, limit an opponent's options and determine the outcome of a fight.