A sporting dispute at the TrueVisions–TOYOTA Junior Kart Championships 2026 at Bira Circuit in Chonburi broadened into widespread celebrity gossip following a contentious race in the Cadet B division (ages 8–9).
Young racer “Nong Phayu,” the son of actress Chompoo Araya Hargate and businessman Nott Witsarut Rangsisingpipat, crossed the finish line in first place. However, the official podium celebration was halted after Por Tanupat Lerttaweewit, father of runner-up “Nong Laren,” submitted a formal protest to the Royal Automobile Association of Thailand (RAAT). The petition alleged that the winning kart utilized an earlier-generation cylinder block, calling for technical verification to ensure competitive parity.
The mechanical team servicing the winning kart, DT Motorsport, issued a formal technical clarification confirming the kart had passed official pre-race scrutineering, engine sealing, and post-race inspections in strict compliance with technical regulations and homologation documentation.
The dispute quickly shifted to social media when Por’s wife, singer Benz Prikthai, posted a story quoting a phrase about maintaining composure despite being descended from “nobility” (Luk Phraya Na Muen), adding that she was by no means destitute.
The remark drew sharp criticism from online commentators, who argued that adult prestige disputes should not overshadow youth sporting achievements or instill poor sportsmanship in developing athletes.
