Thousands expected at Muay Thai annual ceremony
Thousands of Muay Thai practitioners from around the world will get the opportunity to pay respects to their masters at the 15th annual World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony being held March 16-17.
The event also falls on the celebration of Nai Khanom Tom Day on March 17. Nai Khanom Tom, a legendary Ayutthaya-era Muay Thai folk hero, is hailed as the “Father of Muay Thai”.
The event is organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Ayutthaya province, the Fine Arts Department, the Kru Muay Thai Association, the MuayThai and Muay Boran Sports Association, the Professional Boxing Association of Thailand, and the World Professional Muay Thai Federation.
TAT deputy governor Sujitra Jongchansitto said on Wednesday that besides the sacred rituals to pay respect to Muay Thai masters, other highlights will be the "Wai Kru Ram Muay" war dance saluting the teacher, performed by famous Muay Thai fighters such as Sitthichai Sitsongphinong, Anuwat Kaewsamrit, and Panpayak Jitmuangnon.
The annual event also will feature: Muay Thai matches between Thai and foreign Muay Thai practitioners; demonstrations and lessons of four ancient Muay Thai styles being Muay Chaiya, Muay Korat, Muay Tha Sao and Muay Lop Buri; Muay Thai boxing souvenirs and memorabilia; and Thai handicraft demonstrations such as Yantra tattooing, Yantra writing onto Muay Thai shirts, and Aranyik swords making.
Sujitra said the event is expected to attract 3,500 Thai and international disciples, especially from India, Brazil, the UK, the US and Uzbekistan and to generate Bt30 million for the Thai economy.