Thailand’s sporting icon Somluck Kamsing, who made history by winning the country’s first Olympic gold medal, has been convicted and sentenced to prison for charges involving a teenager between 15 and 18.
The 52-year-old former Olympian received a sentence of three years, one month, and 10 days from the provincial court in Khon Kaen, his home province in northeast Thailand. The court found him guilty of multiple charges, including abducting a minor aged over 15 but under 18 from parents or guardians, taking a minor for indecent purposes, committing an indecent act against a minor by using force, and attempted r*pe.
The incident occurred in December 2023 when Kamsing took a 17-year-old girl to a hotel room in Khon Kaen. While the court initially handed down a four-year, eight-month prison term, the sentence was reduced due to his cooperation during the trial, despite his consistent denial of the charges.
As part of the verdict, Kamsing has been ordered to pay compensation of $3,525 to the girl and $1,470 to her guardians. The former athlete has indicated to reporters that he plans to appeal the verdict.
Kamsing, who began his career in Muay Thai before transitioning to boxing, achieved national hero status when he won the featherweight gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. Following his athletic career, he became known as an actor on Thai television. He is a father of two children.
