The Government Public Relations Department’s Foreign Office organized the activity “The Art of Muay Thai: Promoting the Image and Creative Economy” on 22 March 2024 at Petchyindee Academy Muay Thai Camp, Lumpini Boxing Stadium, and the Asawin Grand Convention Hotel, Bangkok. The guests were representatives from foreign ambassadors in Thailand, Thai and foreign media members, and key opinion leaders, approximately 80 people in all. The activity was held in order to ensure that the soft power of Muay Thai becomes better known internationally, leading to the creation of even more economic value.
In his opening speech, Varavut Yanjareon, Vice Minister for Office of the Prime Minister, underlined the importance of Muay Thai as a sport as well as history, tradition, and the spirit of the Thai people. Apart from effectively reflecting Thailand’s identity on the global stage, Muay Thai also facilitates cultural exchanges between countries. With its worldwide recognition, Thai boxers have brought pride to Thailand on various platforms, making Muay Thai a soft power that the government is promoting to enhance the Thai boxing industry internationally. Whether through Thai boxing fashion, art exhibitions, tourism promotions, or movies, all contribute to the expansion of products and services related to Thai boxing businesses, not only boosting economic value but also disseminating Thai culture to the world.
In the first part of the day’s activity, participants visited the Petchyindee Academy Muay Thai Camp to watch the demonstration and try learning Muay Thai. Then, they proceeded to the Asawin Grand Convention Hotel to take part in a special forum on “Raising the Standard of Muay Thai and Advancing Muay Thai to Become Popular Internationally.” The forum covered means of promoting sports tourism, such as visa measures to attract tourists to learn Muay Thai, as well as expanding Muay Thai into other businesses. Guest speakers came from, the Government Public Relations Department, the Sports Authority of Thailand, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, ONE Championship, as well as professional boxers, who shared their experiences in building a reputation and career in Muay Thai abroad. In the evening, the participants moved to the Lumpini Boxing Stadium to watch the world-famous ONE Lumpini Muay Thai boxing match.
This activity is an opportunity for foreign target groups to experience Muay Thai directly. It is an excellent way to learn first-hand about the uniqueness of Thai culture through the sports dimension, which will attract more foreign tourists. More people are coming to learn boxing in Thailand, which is continuing to increase economic value through creative industries. (NNT)
