700 seat Muay Thai boxing stadium opens

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Pattaya’s largest Muay Thai boxing stadium has opened to the public, targeting Russian, Indian and Asian package tourists to fill its 700 seats.

Thai National Police Gen. Boonlert Kaewprasert, president of the International Boxing Association of Thailand, and Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome opened Pattaya Boxing World on Sukhumvit Road near Mini Siam on Dec. 23.

Muay Thai fighters pose with officials and dignitaries, including Pol. Gen. Boonlert Kaewprasert, President of International Boxing Association of Thailand, and Ithipol Kunplume, Mayor of Pattaya City, at the official opening of Pattaya Boxing World on December 23. Muay Thai fighters pose with officials and dignitaries, including Pol. Gen. Boonlert Kaewprasert, President of International Boxing Association of Thailand, and Ithipol Kunplume, Mayor of Pattaya City, at the official opening of Pattaya Boxing World on December 23.

Pattaya Boxing World Group Executive Director Oros Chutimant said more than 20 million baht was spent on the facility to make it one of the city’s premier tourist attractions.  Initially, the stadium will be taking only tourists on package tours, but plans call for opening up the venue to everyone.

It will host three matches each night starting from 6 p.m. and Oros said plans are in the works for an international tournament with fighters from 11 counties.

Oros said increasing interest in Muay Thai boxing around the world prompted development of the new stadium.  Most of those attending are expected to hail from Russia, India, China, South Korea, Japan and Vietnam.