Thanikhul was born on September 13, 1934, in Tambon Don Manora, Amphoe Bang Khonthi, Samut Songkhram Province.
Later, he came to Bangkok to live with his elder sister in Suan Mali neighbourhood where he made a reputation in the outlaw circle.
In the main event of "Suek Onesongchai" match between Chamuekpet Hapalang vs. Langsuan Panyuthaphum on the evening of March 4, 1988, at Lumpinee Stadium before the fifth round began Chaiwat "Ngow Haphalung" Phalungwattanakit, a Muay Thai gambler and Hapalang sponsor was shot dead by a lone hitman.
[2] At that time, if Thanikhul was the No.1 influential figure in Thai boxing cycle, Phalangwattanakit was considered No.2.
He was assassinated on Pinklao-Nakhon Chai Si Road in the area of Amphoe Sam Phran, Nakhon Pathom Province in the early evening of April 5, 1991, aged 56 years, along with an associate Mr.Sakulyut Thongsaitharn[3][4] His killers were never caught.