Vorapoj fears he may not be allowed to step into the 2012 Olympics ring
Olympic hero Vorapoj Phetkoom risks losing his chance to shine at the next Olympic Games following his appearance in a gay magazine.
"If I am banned from boxing for one year, I may have to give up my hope of competing in the 2012 Olympics," Vorapoj admits.
In his late 20s, the brawny boxer posed recently for Stage magazine. In some of the photos, he wears just underwear.
Faces ABAT questioning
Amateur Boxing Association of Thailand (ABAT) president General Thaweep Jantharoj insists Vorapoj's appearance is not appropriate. "We will question him. After we listen to him, we will mete out punishment," Thaweep says.
He laments that Vorapoj, a well-educated and mature man, should have known what he should do and what he should not.
Aside from his boxing regime, Vorapoj has been pursuing a master degree.
Speaking on "Joh Jai" TV programme, the boxer explained that he had agreed to appear in Stage because he initially did not know it was a magazine for gay men.
"I thought it was an honour to be invited to grace the cover of a magazine on its third anniversary," Vorapoj says.
He says he was initially told that the theme would be about muscle and sports. However, he sensed something was wrong as he went on the fashion set.
Smelling a fish
"I became sceptical when I was told to wear just underpants," Vorapoj says. "I protested but the team said everything was going to be okay because it would show my abdomen muscles."
The boxer says he asked whether he could quit the shoot. "But the team said I would have to pay compensation."
He said the magazine gave him Bt15,000 for the job.
Vorapoj also dismisses a report that his finances are so bad that he needs to appear in a gay magazine for money.
Following his silver medal win at the Olympic Games five years ago, he reaped more than Bt10million in rewards.
"I am not in financial trouble at all," Vorapoj insists. "My gold rewards are kept in safety boxes. I still have the money, motorcycle and car given to me."
He adds that he is running a resort in Surat Thani, too.
Asked whether he is gay, Vorapoj says emphatically, "No! I have a girlfriend."
>> Catch Vorapoj on the |"Joh Jai" programme on August 6, Channel 5.