Muay Thai aims for Olympic recognition as part of Thailand’s soft power strategy
National Soft Power Strategy Committee Deputy Chairperson Paetongtarn Shinawatra is championing the cause for the integral Thai martial art, Muay Thai, to be recognised as an Olympic sport. Paetongtarn sees the inclusion of Muay Thai in the Olympics as part of a broader strategy to elevate the martial art as a key tool of Thailand’s soft power.
“We will get the opportunity to cheer on Muay Thai boxers representing Thailand in the Olympics one day.”
Paetongtarn and her team are developing ways to make Muay Thai more accessible and appealing to international audiences. One of the proposed strategies is the introduction of a ranking system, akin to that of Taekwondo’s belt ranking system.
In addition, they aim to professionalise the teaching of Muay Thai, increase the frequency of Muay Thai competitions at all competency levels, and enhance the global presence of Muay Thai camps. They also plan to boost the Muay Thai equipment industry, all as part of maximising the potential of this national sport.
Meanwhile, Pimol Srivikorn, a prime minister’s advisor and chairperson of the Sports Sub-Committee in the National Soft Power Strategy Committee, reported significant strides in promoting Muay Thai as a soft power.
As a part of this initiative, Pimol met with Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt last week to discuss deploying Muay Thai teachers to various schools in Bangkok. An agreement with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is due to be signed on January 29.
This agreement will facilitate the soft power committee in dispatching Muay Thai teachers and equipment to up to 20 schools under the BMA, which will participate in a pilot programme commencing next semester, reported Bangkok Post.
Pimol also mentioned the committee’s plan to organise a Muay Thai masterclass in England. This engaging event will allow international enthusiasts to learn martial arts from globally recognised Muay Thai masters, including Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Buakaw Banchamek, and Superbon Singha Mawynn.
Scheduled for a full day in April, this masterclass is expected to inspire participants and encourage them to invite their friends to visit Thailand, thus contributing to the growth of Thai tourism.
