One cannot choose to be born normal or disabled, rich or poor. If we have physical limitations, we may need to work harder than the average person, but determination and effort will lead to success. I can say this with confidence because I have proven it myself,” said Pichet Krunget, a member of Thailand’s national wheelchair racing team, during a break from training for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris this August.
Pichet is a shining example among True Corporation employees, demonstrating potential that transcends physical limitations. After earning a degree in computer engineering, he started his career in Technical Resolutions. His journey from there led him to bring fame to both the organization and Thailand as a national wheelchair racing athlete. At the 2004 Paralympics in Athens, he won two gold medals and one bronze, even setting a world record. Since then, he has accumulated numerous international accolades.
His life’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, dedication, and belief in the inherent potential of every human being. Pichet continues to inspire and advocate, ensuring society does not overlook the abilities of people with disabilities.
Hopes Limited by Physical Condition
“I was born and raised in Phichit Province, where I attended school with other students. Although I couldn’t walk due to polio-induced muscle atrophy in both legs, I used my hands to crawl, and my friends helped by holding my legs as we walked to school together. Later, the school principal arranged for me to be sent to the Pak Kret Home for Disabled Children, where I learned to use a wheelchair and underwent surgery to have metal braces fitted to my legs so I could walk with crutches. I completed my education, earning a bachelor’s degree in industrial education with a major in Computer Engineering.”
“I hoped that after graduating, I could work, save money, and open an electronics repair shop in my hometown while taking care of my parents. However, my dream of having a job and earning an income was shattered. When I disclosed my disability, almost every company rejected me for various reasons. I was deeply saddened by the rejections, especially since I never even had the chance to demonstrate my abilities.”
Preparing to Seize Valuable Opportunities in Life
“While I was unemployed, I helped with paperwork and taught computer skills to the children at the orphanage. One day, executives from TelecomAsia (which later became True Corporation) came to host a meal for the children. The caregivers at the orphanage consulted with them, explaining that I was a graduate looking for work. The executive reviewed my qualifications and abilities, then encouraged me to apply for a job and go through the selection process, as the company already had a policy of hiring people with disabilities.”
“I began working at Asia Infonet in the Technical Resolutions department, assisting customers with internet usage via telephone. I was very happy and excited. Everyone welcomed me warmly, and the company, ahead of its time, had already hired people with disabilities. The office environment and workstations were wheelchair-accessible, and the benefits were equal for everyone. They allowed me to fully demonstrate my abilities without focusing on my disability. This made me feel valued and a part of driving the organization forward. I was also able to earn an income to support my parents and my family, just as I had intended.”
Sports as a Profession That Makes Society See and Accept People with Disabilities
“I’ve been interested in sports for a long time. During my third year in university, I had the opportunity to compete in swimming at the 1999 FESPIC Games for the disabled, hosted by Thailand, where I achieved my best result, finishing fourth. I saw sports as a promising career because I noticed friends who had succeeded in competitions, receiving medals, prize money, and income from training camps.”
“I began focusing on wheelchair racing at the age of 27, which is relatively late for a sport that demands immense physical strength. However, Coach Supot Pengphum, who is experienced in disabled sports, taught and supervised my training. I was fully committed, training twice as hard as my peers. I started earlier, finished later, and did weight training outside of regular practice hours. I was willing to endure the hard work because I wanted to succeed and improve my family’s quality of life.”
Representatives of the Company and Thailand
“I had been on the national team for a while, working a regular job, but I managed my time to practice as well. This meant I always had to request to work night shifts, and I felt I was taking advantage of my colleagues who had to rotate shifts normally. So, I talked to my supervisor about whether it would be possible for me to take a leave of absence to train for sports without pay but retain my employee rights so I could return to work after the competitions. My supervisor took this matter to the management. Fortunately, the management understood and supported me, stating that competing in sports is serving the country, which is akin to working for the company. They saw it as the company giving me the opportunity to showcase my athletic abilities, which turned out to be another significant turning point in my life.”
When Reaching the Peak, One Can Also Fall to the Lowest Point
“Intense training resulted in excellent speed records. At that time, I was the champion of almost every event. When I competed in my first Paralympics in Athens in 2004, I won two gold medals and one bronze medal, and I also set a world record. Winning these medals brought recognition to both the company and the country, as I had hoped. It also provided the income to take care of my family, as I intended. Importantly, it brought attention to the abilities of people with disabilities. I had the opportunity to speak on behalf of many disabled individuals, including delivering motivational speeches in organizations and various media, which helped change societal perceptions about people with disabilities.”
“However, life is not always easy. During the early stages of my intense training, sports science was not as advanced as it is today. I believed that heavy training would make me stronger, but it came at the cost of a torn shoulder muscle injury. After winning gold medals and setting a world record at the Athens Olympics in 2004, my performance began to decline until I reached the lowest point where I didn’t qualify for competitions at all. From being in the spotlight, one day, I was no longer noticed by anyone.”
Unwavering Determination and Discipline
“From 2004 to 2020, I had to manage my injuries. I was afraid to compete anywhere because I only faced defeats. But one thing that never changed was my determination and discipline in training. Even on days when I wasn’t successful, I never stopped practicing. Coach Supot saw this and assured me that I would make a comeback, and it turned out to be true.”
“In the past 10 years, my body has started to recover. When I competed, I began to win again and regain my confidence. This year, my performance improved to the point where my scores met the criteria to qualify for the 2024 Paralympics in Paris. My training records are even better than they were in 2004. I hope everyone will join me in cheering for the upcoming Paralympic Games.”
