The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in partnership with the World Boxing Council (WBC) MuayThai, EVA Air, and See My Thailand travel agency, announced the “Amazing Thailand Muay Thai Summer Camp 2024” from 16 to 28 July. WBC Honorary Champion Bridger Walker also joins the programme.
Mr. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, Americas, Middle East, and Africa, said “The project reiterates the global popularity of Muay Thai martial art as an exhilarating sport and method of self-defence. Last year, the Royal Thai Government declared Muay Thai a leading “soft power” of Thailand’s brand, with significant value and international recognition.”
The inaugural Amazing Thailand Muay Thai Summer Camp 2024 welcomes an exclusive group of 50 participants from the USA to Thailand. The group comprises American children aged 6 to 17 accompanied by parents or adult guardians.
Among the participants is Bridger Walker, who has been awarded WBC’s ‘Honorary Champion’ belt for his brave act of protecting his little sister from a dog attack in 2020 that left scars on his face. Walker, whose passions include boxing sport, is an inspiration behind a new weight class, Bridgerweight, that the WBC created for boxers who are between 200 and 224 pounds (91-102 kg).
Colonel Thanapol Bhakdibhumi, WBC MuayThai President, said “Walker, together with participants of this first Amazing Thailand Muay Thai Summer Camp, will surely gain a deeper understanding of Muay Thai sport. The tailor-made programme offers them an opportunity to train in its country of origin, watch live fights, participate in the sacred Wai Kru ceremony, and enjoy travel activities in Thailand.”
The educational camp-style programme includes Muay Thai training sessions at Superbon Training Center in Bangkok and Fairtex Training Center in Pattaya, a special tournament in Pattaya, and the ‘Wai Kru’ dance ritual and certificate ceremony in Ayutthaya.
Other activities include watching live Muay Thai matches at Ratchadamnoen Stadium and Lumpinee Stadium and sightseeing Thailand’s famous landmarks.
In 2025, TAT plans to also attract participants from the Latin America region, such as Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico, to the Amazing Thailand Muay Thai Summer Camp. Marketing activities will start in January to allow parents or adult guardians time to plan a summer camp for their children.
Mr. Siripakorn said “The Amazing Thailand Muay Thai Summer Camp will be prominently featured in our partner travel agencies’ annual packages. The programme will focus on the opportunity to experience Thai martial art and culture as well as explore an amazing variety of Thai tourism offerings.” (TAT)
