PHNOM PENH: Sombat Banchamek a.k.a. Buakaw Banchamek is at the head of a Thai delegation of coaches and about 20 kickboxing athletes set to participate in the SEA Games in Cambodia. He is determined for his team to bring home six gold medals according to a Facebook post from May 10.

His post read, "Sombat Buakaw Banchamek is ready to lead the Thai national kickboxing team at the Sea Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia…The association sent all 17 members of the kickboxing team to the games, hoping to win six gold medals.”

Okna Srey Chanthorn, Honorary Vice President of the Khmer Boxing Federation, said that he hopes Cambodians will maintain their dignity when acknowledging Banchamek’s arrival with the Thai kickboxing team. Cambodian and Thai kickboxing fans have an ongoing rivalry that often turns ugly when debating the style and origins of Thailand’s Muay Thai and Cambodia’s Kun Khmer.

Chantorn said, "Dear compatriots, today Buakaw and his kickboxing team have arrived to compete in the SEA Games starting May 13. I hope that we as Cambodians maintain our dignity as hosts of the SEA Games. In particular, I suggest that you do not post pictures with provocative meanings. We need to respect the meaning of the SEA Games as a vessel for ASEAN friendship. (Khmer together, Khmer can do). “

The SEA Games kickboxing competitions will be held at the Morodok Techo National Stadium from May 12-17.