Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong

Era: Golden Era → Transition Era
Weight: Super Flyweight to Super Lightweight
Stance: Southpaw
Style: Muay Femur
Camp: Kiatbanchong Gym
Stadiums: Lumpinee, Rajadamnern
Active: c. 1980–1994 · brief return in 2013

Jaroenthong Kiatbanchong was one of the technically accomplished southpaw fighters of the late Golden Era. Competing across several weight divisions, he remained at the highest level through the late 1980s and into the early 1990s, facing many of the leading fighters of the period.

Fighting primarily under Songchai Rattanasuban's Lumpinee Stadium promotions, Jaroenthong developed a reputation as a composed and adaptable Muay Femur. Rather than relying on a single physical advantage, his game was based on balance, timing, distance and an ability to adjust to different opponents.

As a southpaw, his left kick and counter-fighting were important parts of his game. He was comfortable controlling the pace of a five-round fight, choosing his opportunities carefully and maintaining his balance during exchanges. He was not primarily a knockout fighter, but his technical consistency made him difficult to dominate.

Jaroenthong's success extended across several divisions. At Lumpinee, he won the Super Flyweight title in 1987 and the Featherweight title in 1988 and again in 1991. He also won WMC World Lightweight and Super Lightweight titles, giving him championship success well beyond the lighter divisions where he first established himself.

His career included a long list of elite opposition. He faced fighters such as Samart Payakaroon, Wangchannoi Sor.Palangchai, Namkabuan Nongkeepahuyuth, Namphon Nongkeepahuyuth, Cherry Sor.Wanich, Chamuakpetch Hapalang, Panomtuanlek Hapalang and Langsuan Panyuthaphum.

He also competed internationally against fighters including Ramon Dekkers and André Masseur.

His fights with the leading Thai fighters of the period demonstrate the level of competition he faced throughout his career. His first-round knockout loss to Samart is particularly remembered, but it sits within a career that included championship success against many other top-level opponents.

Jaroenthong also had experience outside Muay Thai. He competed in amateur boxing, winning a gold medal at the Thailand National Games, taking bronze at the King's Cup and representing Thailand at international level, including the 1990 Asian Games.

After retiring from top-level competition, he moved into coaching and established the Jaroenthong Muay Thai School in Bangkok.

He returned briefly to competition in 2013 at the age of 44, reaching the final of the Toyota Marathon Tournament before losing to Vahid Shahbazi.

Jaroenthong's career is notable for its consistency across different divisions and generations of opposition. He was a technical southpaw who relied on timing, balance and control, and his ability to adapt allowed him to remain competitive as he moved through the weight classes.

His multiple Lumpinee and WMC titles, combined with the quality of opponents he faced, place him among the important Muay Femur fighters of the late Golden Era and the period that followed.