Payap started training in Muay Thai at the age of 14 and had about 40 fights in various provinces before making his debut at the Lumpinee Stadium in 1975.
In the late 1970s Payap emerged as a top fighter of the Bangkok circuit with an incredibly powerful left kick.
During his career he captured the Rajadamnern Stadium 147 lbs in 1986 and defeated notable fighters of his era such as Sagat Petchyindee, Lakchart Sor.Prasatporn, Posai Sitiboonlert, Somsong Kiathoranee, Krongsak Sakkasem or Samart Prasarnmit.
[2] On January 12, 1984 Payap faced reigning WKA World champion Rob Kaman in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
[6] On August 13, 1988 Payap traveled to Japan to face the reigning Shootboxing champion Takeshi Caesar at UWF "The Professional Bout".