Anna Jaroonsak Returns to Action After Building Family Dream in Phuket
Two years away from the ring have transformed Anna Jaroonsak from a struggling competitor into an empowered entrepreneur ready to reclaim her fighting career.
The 21-year-old Thai striker will end her competitive drought when she faces Bulgarian challenger Teodora Kirilova in atomweight Muay Thai action at ONE Fight Night 34: Eersel vs. Jarvis on Prime Video in U.S. primetime on August 1.
“Supergirl” spent her time away from competition orchestrating a bold family business venture that saw her entire support system relocate 850 kilometers south from Thailand’s capital to the resort island of Phuket.
The ambitious project began when Jaroonsak recognized her parents needed a new chapter after decades of grinding in Bangkok’s competitive gym scene. Having devoted their lives to nurturing their daughter’s Muay Thai journey, the veteran trainers deserved an opportunity to build something of their own.
Phuket offered more than just a change of scenery for the young fighter, who had battled health complications from Bangkok’s notorious air quality. The tropical environment provided immediate relief from the respiratory issues that had plagued her training sessions in the capital.
“We moved to Phuket to open a gym because we saw that there are a lot of fighters here, and the weather is much better. In Bangkok, I had air pollution allergies,” she said. “It was a huge decision, one I thought about for about a year. I wanted them to finally get some rest, so I told them to leave their jobs, and we all moved to Phuket.”
The family’s new training facility launched on New Year’s Day and has steadily attracted students drawn to its personalized approach. With her boyfriend joining the southward migration, the operation maintains tight-knit dynamics that set it apart from commercial fight camps.
Jaroonsak has embraced roles ranging from financial management to promotional duties, gaining business acumen while rediscovering her competitive fire. The responsibilities have provided therapeutic focus during a period when social media criticism had damaged her mental wellbeing.
Her father anchors the coaching staff with traditional knowledge accumulated over decades in Thailand’s Muay Thai heartland. Their philosophy prioritizes long-term athlete development over quick profits, creating genuine mentoring relationships with each trainee.
The extended break from competition allowed Jaroonsak to process the psychological toll that online negativity had inflicted on her career enjoyment. Running the gym has restored her confidence while proving that success extends beyond individual achievements.
“My dad is the main coach. The main selling point of our gym is definitely our coaches. We want the gym to feel like a family, not just a place to train,” she said. “Before, fighting was fun for me, but when the negative comments started coming in, it just wasn’t enjoyable anymore. Taking a break and working on the gym really helped.”
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