Minister of Labor Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has assigned the Secretariat to the Labor Minister, Aree Krainara, to visit and observe the national occupational skill testing for the service sector, specifically the Muay Thai instructor level 1. This initiative is part of the government’s soft power policy. The testing took place at the Muay Thai training facility at the indoor sports training center of the Sports Authority of Thailand in Bangkok
The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) has been authorized by the Department of Skill Development, the Ministry of Labor, to serve as a testing center for the national skill standard for Muay Thai instructors at Level 1, among a total of 16 other authorized centers nationwide.
In this round of testing, there were 12 participants, including 8 who had completed the C-License Muay Thai qualified Trainer program of the SAT, one trainer who was preparing to work as a Thai boxing instructor abroad, and 3 Thai boxing instructors from local camps in Thailand.
Aree stated that the testing center designated by the Sports Authority of Thailand is ready in terms of facilities, equipment, and amenities that meet the required standard. Additionally, there is a committee to oversee the testing process, along with training programs provided to impart knowledge in Thai boxing. Moreover, there exists a vast network within the Thai boxing community.
Therefore, the Sports Authority of Thailand has been recognized as a testing center for the national skill standard for Muay Thai instructors at Level 1. It can accommodate the needs of businesses and professionals in the Thai boxing industry, including those who wish to work domestically or internationally as instructors or open their own Thai boxing schools. Services extend from training to the testing process for occupational skill standards.
Additionally, the Department of Skill Development, in partnership with the Sports Authority of Thailand, is testing Level 1 Muay Thai instructors’ occupational skill standards for Thai workers abroad. This initiative aims to improve Thai workers’ Muay Thai instruction skills overseas and establish internationally recognized standards for employers and businesses. Testing for Level 1 Muay Thai instructor standards is planned in cities including Shanghai, China, England, and the United Arab Emirates, targeting a minimum of 80 participants.
Aree concluded that Muay Thai, promoted by the government as a key element of soft power, aims to attract global tourists through sports tourism. It also facilitates the export of athletes and trainers, contributing significantly to the country’s revenue. Therefore, testing Thai boxing instructors is crucial for developing professional athletes with standardized skills, guaranteed by the Ministry of Labor. (NNT)
