2025-02-06
Bangkok is currently hosting Muay Thai World Festival 2025, a grand event celebrating Thailand's martial arts culture and its growing international influence. The festival runs until February 9 and is maintained Siam Paragon, where visitors can experience a range of activities such as competitions, master classes, exhibitions and demonstrations.
Muay Thai as part of Thailand's soft power strategy
The event is organized by Sports Authority of Thailand and supported by National Soft Power Development CommitteeAt the opening ceremony, the chairman of the committee emphasized Dr. Surapong Suponglee that Muay Thai is more than a martial art – it is a cultural treasure and an important part of Thailand's history and identity.
Muay Thai has grown into a globally recognized sport and is one of Thailand's premier soft power resources to strengthen the country's international brand. The festival's theme "Amazing Muay Thai: From Local Heritage to Global Martial Art" underlines the sport's evolution from a traditional martial art to a modern competitive sport with a global fan base.
Highlights of the festival
The festival spans four different zones around Siam Paragon and Siam Discovery and includes a variety of experiences:
- Muay Thai showcase – Performances with some of the biggest names in the sport
- Master classes – Training sessions with legendary fighters like Rodtang, Superlek and Stamp
- Traditional Muay Thai village – An interactive experience where visitors can explore the roots of Muay Thai
- Exhibition and market – Sale of authentic Muay Thai products and memorabilia
- Muay Thai Conference – Discussions about the future of sport and its place on the international stage
One of the highlights of the festival is a special display by Muay Thai masters, where both Thai and international fighters demonstrate their techniques and fighting tactics. At the same time, concerts and cultural performances are held to make the event a complete experience.
The future of Muay Thai on the global stage
Muay Thai is already a popular sport worldwide, but the festival's goal is to further strengthen its status within the international sporting world. Discussions are also ongoing about the future role of sport within The Olympics, where it could become an official competition discipline in the future.
With the Muay Thai World Festival 2025, Thailand not only wants to honor its traditional martial art but also solidify the country's role as a leading player in martial arts tourism and the sports industry.
The festival runs until February 9th and is free to the public.
Text: The editorial staff
Image license: palapon, Pixabay, original image