Chamuekpet Hapalang

Real Name: Vichean Bootdee
Born: August 10, 1962
Hometown: Si Racha, Chonburi, Thailand
Height: 168 cm
Stance: Southpaw
Style: Muay Bouk / Muay Khao, later Muay Femur
Gyms: Sor.Worakulchai, Hapalang, Singwangcha
Mentors: Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn, Samart Payakaroon
Era: Golden Era → Post-Golden Era

Chamuekpet Hapalang was one of the longest-serving fighters of Thailand's stadium era. His career stretched across more than two decades and several weight divisions, allowing him to compete against leading fighters from the late Golden Era through to the 1990s.

He began his career as a southpaw pressure fighter, combining the forward style of Muay Bouk with the knees and clinch work associated with Muay Khao. His approach was based on maintaining pressure without simply rushing forward. He was particularly effective with straight knees and teeps, using them to disrupt an opponent's balance and control the distance.

His technical approach to knee fighting earned him the nickname "Mr. Computer Knee", a reference to the accuracy and timing of his attacks.

Chamuekpet's development was also influenced by some of the most respected fighters of the period. He trained alongside Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn, learning aspects of clinch work and controlling space, while Samart Payakaroon was another important influence during his career.

One of the defining features of Chamuekpet's career was his ability to remain competitive as he moved through different generations of fighters. He won four Lumpinee Stadium titles and five Rajadamnern Stadium titles across seven weight divisions, an achievement that reflects both his longevity and his willingness to move between divisions.

His strongest period came during the second half of the 1980s. In 1985, he was named Sports Writers Association of Thailand Fighter of the Year, while competing during one of the deepest periods of talent in Thai stadium Muay Thai.

His opponents included Samart Payakaroon, Kongtoranee Payakaroon, Sangtiennoi Sor.Rungroj, Wangjannoi Sor Palangchai and Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong. These fights placed him against several of the leading names of the Golden Era and the generation that followed.

As Chamuekpet moved into the 1990s, his style developed with him. Rather than relying on the same level of pressure that had defined his earlier career, he became more economical in his approach, using positioning, defence and timing to conserve energy and reduce unnecessary exchanges.

This adaptation helped extend his career well beyond the age at which many Thai fighters had already retired. He continued facing younger opponents and remained active at stadium level into his thirties.

Chamuekpet later moved into professional boxing, compiling a record of 10 wins and 1 loss, with six knockouts. Competing under Singwangcha Gym, he won the PABA Featherweight Championship and made four successful defences.

His final recorded fight came in 2000 against Kensaku Maeda. He won the bout despite suffering a broken arm, after which he retired from competition.

Chamuekpet's Muay Thai record is documented at approximately 200 wins, 48 losses and 2 draws, although records from fighters of this era can vary and do not necessarily include every bout. His career also included approximately 15 recorded Muay Thai knockouts.

After fighting, Chamuekpet continued his involvement in Muay Thai as a trainer and eventually relocated to Japan, where he opened a gym.

What makes Chamuekpet's career particularly notable is its length and the way his style developed with age. He began as a pressure-based southpaw with a strong knee game and later relied more heavily on timing, positioning and experience.

He was able to remain competitive across several generations of Thai fighters, making his career one of the clearer examples of longevity and adaptation in stadium Muay Thai.