Behind the Brand

Mongkol Muay Thai Corporation 

Behind The Brand — Dr. Phakapan Salao, Founder of Mongkol Muay Thai*

 Sawadee Ka! I am Dr. Phakapan Salao, MBA, DBA (Hon.), founder and owner of Mongkol Muay Thai Corporation, USA.

 My love for Muay Thai is not just sport — it is love for Thai culture, respect, and spirit.

 *The Beginning (2012-2015)*
 Later in life, I returned to Thailand to learn real Muay Thai. I was honored to train with the greatest legends:
 2012-2013: Samart Payakaroon — the greatest of all time
 2014: Buakaw Banchamek — in his old gym in Bangkok
2016: Saenchai and KruToy Sityodthong
 I learned that Mongkol is not just a headband. Mongkol means protection, much luck, and holy spirit. Every fighter wears it with blessing from their Kru.

 In 2015, I founded Mongkol Muay Thai in USA to bring authentic, premium gear — Made in Thailand, with respect to tradition. Mongkol® was granted US Federal Trademark Registration No. 5245081, 

 *Serving The Sport (2018-2022)*
 From 2018-2022, I volunteered with WBC Muay Thai under General Govit to help promote Muay Thai in America. I am grateful for that chapter. In 2022, I returned to focus 100% on building my own Mongkol brand.

 Making History for Muay Thai (2020-2026)*
 With support from our Mongkol family worldwide, we made history:
 Sept 1, 2020:* First Thai brand approved by California State Athletic Commission for pro 8oz/10oz fight gloves
Nov 21, 2021:* Official Gear Sponsor, WCK 30th Anniversary, Burbank, CA
Sept 7, 2023:* First Muay Thai brand in history at New York Fashion Week
Sept 22, 2024:* First Muay Thai brand at Milan Fashion Week, Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan
 May 2025:* Super Stars Contribution Award, Cannes Film Festival, France
 Nov 24, 2025:* Woman Leadership Award, Burj CEO Awards, Dubai, UAE
 Feb 2026:* Honorary Doctorate DBA Honoris Causa, New York — For Outstanding Contribution Building Muay Thai Business in USA

 As Nai Khanom Tom showed us in 1774 when he performed Wai Khruu before the Burmese king — Muay Thai is about respect to our mentors. That spirit is in every Mongkol shorts, gloves, and Mongkol headband we make.

 Thank you for being part of our journey from a small dream in 2012 to world stage in 2026.

With respect,
 Dr. Phakapan Salao
 Founder, Mongkol Muay Thai Corp.
 http://mongkolmt.com