Ekniti showcases Muay Thai at IMF–World Bank meetings in Bangkok on October 15
Ekniti highlights respect, discipline and humility in Muay Thai, presenting the martial art as a way to connect cultures at the Bangkok meetings.
- Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas presented a Muay Thai showcase at the IMF–World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok on October 15.
- Ekniti described Muay Thai as a reflection of Thai cultural values, such as courage, discipline, respect, and humility.
- The showcase was linked to the meetings' theme of "Empowering People, Building Resilience," highlighting the martial art's role in developing personal capabilities.
- The event was intended as a form of cultural diplomacy to connect people from different backgrounds and strengthen international relationships.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas presented Muay Thai as an expression of Thai identity and a means of connecting cultures during the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group in Bangkok on October 15, 2026.
Ekniti watched the Muay Thai showcase alongside Bank of Thailand Governor Vitai Ratanakorn, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga and government representatives.
Ekniti highlights courage, discipline and humility
In his closing remarks at the showcase, Ekniti described Muay Thai as more than a sport, emphasising its significance as a martial art reflecting Thai society’s values of courage, perseverance, discipline, respect and humility.
Ekniti drew particular attention to wai khru, the tradition of paying respect to teachers. He explained that the ritual expresses gratitude and honours those who transmit knowledge from one generation to the next, demonstrating that strength can coexist with humility.
Muay Thai reflects Thailand’s meetings theme
Ekniti also linked Muay Thai to Thailand’s theme for the meetings, “Thailand’s New Horizons: Empowering People, Building Resilience”. He highlighted the martial art’s role in developing people’s capabilities, discipline, confidence and adaptability to overcome challenges.
Through sport and friendship, Ekniti said, Muay Thai could bring people from different cultural backgrounds together. He expressed hope that the event would allow participants to experience Thai culture, traditions and hospitality while strengthening relationships and cooperation between countries.
