Biography
Who is Parinya Charoenphol?
Muay Thai career and early fame
Born in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Parinya Charoenphol first gained wide public attention in February 1998. Competing at the Lumpini Boxing Stadium, which serves as a central hub for the Muay Thai world, she secured a well-known victory. The local media became fascinated by the sight of a teenage kathoey defeating a significantly larger opponent. This event revitalized public interest in the sport, which had been experiencing a decline in ticket sales and revenue for several years.
Tourism officials in Thailand eventually promoted her as a unique attraction, highlighting the wonders visitors might find in the country. While some government sectors restricted kathoey athletes from participating in certain national sports teams, the Muay Thai establishment welcomed her contributions. She continued to fight, including bouts against international challengers in Japan, although media coverage regarding her boxing career slowed down by late 1998.
Transition and later boxing matches
In 1999, Parinya announced her retirement from kickboxing with plans to pursue a singing career and undergo gender-affirming surgery. After facing initial rejections from some medical professionals in Bangkok, she successfully underwent the procedure at Yanhee International Hospital later that year. Her life path was documented in various media, including the book Ladyboys: The Secret World of Thailand's Third Gender.
By 2006, she returned to the boxing ring. In February of that year, she participated in an exhibition match at the Pattaya branch of the Fairtex Gym, which was renamed the Nong Toom Fairtex Gym. She secured a victory by unanimous decision against Kenshiro Lookchaomaekhemthong from Japan. Following this, she competed against Lucia Rijker, Jorina Baars in the Netherlands in 2007, and Pernilla Johansson in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2008.
Acting and media projects
Parinya Charoenphol has an extensive list of media appearances. Her life story inspired the 2003 film Beautiful Boxer, where she was portrayed by kickboxer Asanee Suwan. The film received both national and international awards. Also, she performed in the solo production Boxing Cabaret, written by director Ekachai Uekrongtham, which debuted at the Singapore Arts Festival in 2005 before moving to Bangkok venues.
In 2006, she took on a prominent role in the action film Mercury Man, portraying the transgender sibling of the main character. That same year, she appeared as a guest on Swedish television programs including World Record Pizza and Rallarsving. Her story was also featured in the 2003 National Geographic documentary titled Hidden Genders, directed by Julina Khusaini.
Teaching and personal business
Beyond professional fighting and acting, Parinya expanded into business and community work. In 2010, she established a training camp called Parinya Muay Thai located in Pranburi. She operated this facility alongside American writer and actor Steven Khan. By 2011, she dedicated her time to instructing children in aerobics and Muay Thai techniques at the Baan Poo Yai School.
Birthday and age
Parinya Charoenphol was born on June 9, 1981, which makes Parinya 45 years old today. That birthday falls under the Gemini sign. Parinya shares the date with 35 other famous people.
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