National —
On September 28th, 2024, the Thai Subcommittee on Sports Industry Promotion, in collaboration with the Boxing Sports Committee, hosted the “Amazing Muay Thai Masterclass” at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
The event featured renowned Thai fighters Buakaw Banchamek, Saenchai PK Saenchai Muay Thai Gym, Yodsanklai Fairtex, and Duangdawnoi Looksaikongdin. Over 300 Muay Thai students from various gyms in LA and surrounding states participated.
Buakaw expressed his pride in Muay Thai’s growing international popularity, while Saenchai highlighted the opportunity for fighters to continue their careers as Muay Thai instructors abroad. The event is part of Thailand’s effort to promote its soft power, spearheaded by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Mr. Chalitrat Chandrubeksa, from the Subcommittee on Sports Industry Promotion, mentioned that the Thai government has been actively certifying Muay Thai gyms abroad to meet international standards.
This initiative, known as the Standard Muay Thai Gym Certification, has already seen interest from gyms across various US states. Each year, 10 gyms per country will be certified, with plans to expand to 20 gyms annually starting next year. These certifications aim to support the growing demand for Muay Thai while ensuring quality training facilities worldwide, according to Chalitrat.
In addition, visa arrangements are being improved for foreign Muay Thai enthusiasts who wish to train in Thailand. Collaborations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Royal Thai Police, and the Sports Authority of Thailand are working on visa options, including 90-day short-term and 180-day long-term visas to accommodate students traveling to Thailand for Muay Thai training, said Chalitrat.
This effort will strengthen Thailand’s position as a global Muay Thai hub with the goal of expanding Thailand’s cultural influence, remarked Chalitrat.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
