The Thai administration has announced a collaboration led by the Thai government to promote Muay Thai internationally.
According to Chai Wacharonke, Government Spokesperson, this project aims to disseminate the art of Muay Thai globally, enhancing the Thai boxing industry and establishing it as a significant soft power. It also seeks to extend Thai boxing products and services to the international market, thereby generating revenue for Thai boxing professionals and contributing to the country’s economic value.
The initiative involves the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF), the Boxing Sport Committee, the Amateur Muay Thai Association of Thailand, the Professional Muay Thai Association of Thailand, and the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA).
The spokesperson further stated that Thailand has been actively promoting Muay Thai in various international locations. These include Budapest, Hungary, and Guangzhou, China, in September. A recent highlight was the “East Asian Muay Thai Championship 2023,” held on November 23rd-26th, at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Hong Kong.
This event was one of the largest Muay Thai competitions in Hong Kong, with participants from Bangladesh, India, South Korea, Mongolia, Macau, Japan, Taiwan, China, and Hong Kong.
On this occasion, Thailand introduced the One Standard Muaythai (OSM) to establish uniform standards for the sport. The event also featured displays of ancient Muay Thai martial arts and Thai boxing music. Additionally, Muay Thai skill clinics were organized for enthusiasts, receiving positive responses from the Hong Kong Muay Thai clubs and associations. These clinics offered both theoretical and practical Muay Thai training by experts from Thailand. (NNT)
