BANGKOK, May 17 – The Thailand Trade Representative (TTR) in conjunction with the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Los Angeles and Thai boxing gyms and clubs in California will systematise over 1,000 Thai boxing gyms and clubs in the United States in order to create a stronger business profile for this business.
Thai Trade Rrepresentative Vachara Phanchet said there are currently more than 400 boxing gyms and clubs in California alone offering Thai boxing instruction. Although the activity is so popular it is put in the American Physical Education’s curriculum, the business lacks a proper system to effectively manage all the gyms and clubs nationwide.
He believed that if Thai boxing gyms and clubs in the US cooperate, it will add great value to the business, which can be changed to complete fitness centre businesses for Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, while sportwear, souvenirs or other related merchandise can be offered for sale.
Muay Thai fees in California amount to some Bt360 million in value annually, according to initial estimates.
Mr Vachara said Thai boxing is certified by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and is globally known as second to none in comparison with Taekwondo and Karate.
TTR will collaborate with related agencies, particularly Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry, to promote the Muay Thai business.
It is also planning to push for a part of Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, about 2km in the northern section, to become “Thai Town” by asking Thai entrepreneurs, especially real estate investors, to invest and manage buildings in the area, in which many Thai shops of various sorts and restaurants are currently situated.
Mr Vachara also said TTR will discuss with agencies on support by the local Thai community in California in order to found a community bank to facilitate Thai entrepreneurs having businesses there despite the fact that Kasikorn and Siam Commercial Bank already operated in California. (MCOT online news)
