The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Royal Thai Army organized the Amazing Thailand Muay Thai Festival to mark the National Muay Thai Day on Feb 6 and to promote the national heritage and tourism.
The festival took place from Feb 4-6 at Rajabhakti Park and Suan Son Pradipat Beach and nearby locations in Hua Hin district to honour Phra San Phet VIII, also known as Phra Chao Sua, a king in the Ayutthaya period for his dedication to develop Muay Thai techniques, passed down from generation to generation.
Among the highlights of the event were the Wai Kru ceremony performed by 5,000 participants and led by famous Thai boxer Sombat Bua Kaw Banchamek at 5.30 pm Monday at the Rajabhakti Park. The mass performance of the traditional ritual tried to set a new Guinness World Record.
Wai Kru is the pre-fight ritual, performed by boxers to pay respects to their teachers.
Other activities were demonstrations of Muay Thai from four regions, sacred tattooing, Muay Thai trainings and an international competition. (TNA)
