Payao Poontarat (Thai: ใบพุย พูลทรัตน์; 18 January 1956 – 20 October 2006) was a Thai boxer who achieved distinction in both amateur and professional boxing and later served as a politician.
Early life and amateur career
- Born in Bang Pa-in, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Thailand.
- Represented Thailand at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, competing in the light‑flyweight (–48 kg) division.
- Won a bronze medal, becoming Thailand’s first Olympic boxing medalist.
Professional career
- Turned professional in 1978.
- Became the first Thai boxer to hold a world title in the professional ranks when he captured the WBC light‑flyweight title on 13 May 1983 by defeating Freddy Castillo.
- Lost the title to Sot Chitalada later the same year.
- Retired with a professional record of 33 wins (22 by knockout), 4 losses, and 2 draws.
Later life and political involvement
- After retiring from boxing, Poontarat entered politics as a member of the Thai Rak Thai Party.
- Served as a member of the House of Representatives, representing his home province.
Death
- Died of a heart attack on 20 October 2006 at the age of 50.
Payao Poontarat is remembered for pioneering Thailand’s presence in international boxing and for his subsequent public service.
