Behind the Brand

Dr. Phakapan Salao, Founder of Mongkol Muay Thai

Sawadee Ka.

Just as Italy and France have built the world's finest reputation in fashion, Thailand is the undisputed home of authentic Muay Thai gear. At Mongkol Muay Thai Corporation, every glove, short, and headband we craft is rooted in that tradition — handmade in Thailand, with respect for the art that gave it life.

The Origin

I was born in Thailand. My brother was a Muay Thai boxer, and as a little girl I watched him train for hours — kicking banana trees in our backyard, building power and discipline through sheer repetition. That image never left me. Muay Thai was not just sport in our home. It was a way of life.

Later in life, I returned to Thailand to train with the greatest legends the sport has ever known:

• 2012–2013: Samart Payakaroon — the greatest of all time
• 2014: Buakaw Banchamek — in his gym in Bangkok
• 2016: Saenchai and KruToy Sityodthong

When I returned to the United States, I discovered something that surprised me: authentic, quality, comfortable Muay Thai gear was nearly impossible to find. So I started designing my own. That is how Mongkol Muay Thai was born.

The Name

I learned that Mongkol is not merely a headband. Mongkol means protection, much luck, and holy spirit. Every fighter wears it with a blessing from their Kru. That meaning — of reverence, of tradition, of warrior spirit — is woven into everything we make.

In 2015, I founded Mongkol Muay Thai in the 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 to 2022, I volunteered with WBC Muay Thai under General Govit to help promote the sport across America. I am grateful for that chapter. In 2022, I returned to focus fully on building the Mongkol brand — because the community deserves gear designed by someone who lives the art.

Making History (2020–2026)

With the support of our Mongkol family worldwide, we have been honored to reach milestones no Muay Thai brand has reached before:

• 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

The Spirit Behind Every Product

As Nai Khanom Tom showed us in 1774 — when he performed Wai Khruu before the Burmese king before fighting alone against twelve opponents — Muay Thai is about respect for our teachers, our roots, and our craft. That spirit lives in every Mongkol short, glove, and headband we make.

Every part of your Mongkol gear evolved from our shared passion and love for this sport. Our goal is to give you equipment that makes your training joyful, elevates your performance, and deepens your connection to Muay Thai.

We love hearing from the Muay Thai community. If you have ideas or product input, connect with us at Cookie@mongkolmt.com.

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

With respect,
Dr. Phakapan Salao, MBA, DBA (Hon.)
Founder & CEO, Mongkol Muay Thai Corporation
mongkolmt.com