Dej Sri-ampai, or ring name Nokweed Lookpranboon is a retired Muay Thai boxer from Sarabari, Thailand.

It has been over 18 years that Nokweed has lived in America and although life wasn’t always easy for him in the earlier years, everything changed because of his knowledge in Muay Thai. Even though he left fighting to pursue higher education at Kasetsart University, his over 100 fight experience in the provinces became a deep well of knowledge, which could be passed on to others.

Nokweed not only became a Muay Thai Kru (teacher) in America, but he also became a very competent referee and judge. Nokweed has been campaigning to have full Muay Thai rules be accepted for many, many years. And now several states including California and Nevada have finally accepted full Muay Thai rules.

Nokweed is a licensed referee and judge by the athletic commission of California, Nevada, Arizonia and also is licensed by the Sport Authority of Thailand and the WBC Muay Thai. In addition, in February 2006, Nokweed along with the WBC Muay Thai held the first American referee seminar and in May 2006 the first Muay Thai seminar in Mexico.

For Nokweed, Muay Thai is not only about fighting. Muay Thai is about learning about ones self and learning respect. Muay Thai includes a traditional Wai Kru dance which shows respect to the fighter’s parents, teachers, king and religion. Nokweed’s desire is to continue to help Muay Thai grow in popularity around the world and to show the world the true art and heart of Muay Thai.