Honoring Heritage, Designing the Future of Muay Thai

For Phakapan Salao, Muay Thai was never just a sport—it was a cultural calling. Inspired by the traditions she encountered in Thailand, Phakapan founded Mongkol Muay Thai to blend heritage with modern performance, creating gear that carries meaning as much as function. From symbolic details like the Mongkol headband and the lucky number 18 to global recognition at fashion weeks and international awards, her one‑woman journey reflects a deep commitment to authenticity, craftsmanship, and empowering athletes to connect more deeply with their discipline.

Phakapan, can you tell us about the moment in Thailand that first sparked your connection to Muay Thai and ultimately set you on the path to creating Mongkol Muay Thai?
My journey with Muay Thai began in Thailand, where I was immediately drawn to the sport’s rich culture and history. I remember being fascinated by the traditional uniforms, especially old-style Muaythai shorts. As a designer I saw an opportunity to create more comfortable and stylish gear. Heritage and athletic wear sparked my passion, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I started designing gear that blended traditional aesthetics with modern functionality, keeping culture in a modern look; thus, Mongkol Muay Thai was born.  It’s been a wild ride ever since.

What gap did you notice in the fight gear market when you returned to the U.S., and how did that shape your vision for the brand?
Honestly, I didn’t enter the US market thinking about gaps in the fight gear scene. What i saw is a unique  opportunity to introduce authentic Muaythai culture and gear to a new audience. When i started, Muay Thai wasn’t a household name in the States, which was surprising! But I saw potential for growth and knew it’d be a challenge.  My vision is to bring Muay Thai from the streets of Thailand to the global stage, and that’s what drives me. I’m shaping this vision by blending traditional Thai aesthetics with modern functionality, driving culture richness into every piece I design.

The name “Mongkol” and details like the number 18 carry deep meaning—how important is storytelling and cultural respect in your product design?
Yes, the “Mongkol” is the Muay Thai headband worn by the fighter for good luck, protection, and a blessing from his coach.

Our number 18 is a good luck charm (1+8=9). The number 9 is very fortunate in Asian culture. For marketing purposes, I wanted clients to recognize my brand and stand out from other boxing/Muay Thai gloves. See attached pictures.

As a one-woman operation, what have been some of the biggest challenges and rewards of building the brand from the ground up?
As a one-woman show, the challenges are real! Juggling design, production, marketing, and ops can be overwhelming. But the rewards? Priceless. Seeing my designs worn by athletes and fans worldwide is a huge motivator. Last year was a standout: I received the Woman Leadership of the Year award in Dubai, recognition at Fashion week in New York/Milan, and the “Super Star Contributions Award” at Cannes.” . Those moments validate the hard work and fuel my passion to keep pushing boundaries. The biggest challenge has been wearing multiple hats,  but it’s also allowed me to stay hands-on and true to my vision.

Looking ahead, how do you hope Mongkol Muay Thai continues to influence the sport and the way athletes connect with their training gear?
I’m excited to keep pushing boundaries with Mongkol Muaythai. I hope our gear continues to empower athletes to perform at their best, while staying true to Muay Thai’s rich heritage. I’d love to see our designs inspire a new wave of athletes to connect with sport on a deeper level-where gear isn’t just functional, but a reflection of their dedication and passion. Ultimately, I want Mongkol Muaythai to be synonymous with quality, authenticity, and the spirit of Muaythai all over the world 🙂