Muay Thai Expo Looks to Make Statement in Buriram
The world’s first Muay Thai Expo in Buriram, Thailand is officially underway. The elite of Muay Thai fighters recently gathered at the Sports Authority of Thailand for the official press conference.
To open festivities, those in attendance were treated to a Muay Boran demonstration by Sagat Petchyindee. The expo is cutting no corners, bringing together all the truly amazing elements of Muay Thai. It goes beyond the martial art into the deep cultural traditions of Thailand and the rich history it entails.
The four day event will be headlined by a 10 fight card on October 5. Muay Thai legends Somrak Khamsing and Samart Payakaroon were on hand at the press conference to promote their exhibition match. The pair were truly humbled to have witnessed first hand the monumental growth of the sport in the last decade, and were honored to take part in such a historic event.
The fight card, dubbed ‘Legend of Muay Thai’ will feature both Thai and international competitors from Mongolia and Turkey. American teen sensation Bekah Irwin will also be on the card, defending her Nai Khanom Tom Muay Thai Sports Association Title against W.P.M.F Champion Kaenkaew Kor.Klomkliem of Thailand.
The Sports Authority of Thailand, together with the Nai Khanomtom Association, aims to use this event to showcase Muay Thai on an international scale. It is being held in conjunction with the first ever MotoGP in Thailand, PTT Thailand Grand Prix.
The event organizers will also be selling polo shirts with partial proceeds going to the the Nai Khanom Tom Association and its program designed to help retired fighters with medical expenses. There are only a limited number of shirts available and those interested in purchasing this limited edition item will also get event entry and reserved seating at the fights.
Events like these, with the Chang International Circuit, didn't happen when these fighters were growing up. It's a testament to the growth of the sport and Buriram that young Isaan and Buriram fighters can fight on massive shows like this for their people.
Muay Thai mogul Boat Petchyindee was on hand, calling Buriram the ‘City of Muay Thai’. He credited the province for having raised many champions of the sport.
Those who already have tickets to the MotoGP can enter the expo free of charge. Otherwise, tickets are Bt200 per day, and will be available at the door. Those with a PTT Blue card are entitled to a 25% discount.
The event will take place between October 4-7 from 10:00 to 20:00 daily. Fights are set to be broadcast on Amarin TV on October 5, 2018 from 6pm onward. For more information, please visit:https://www.facebook.com/muaythaiexpo/ and IG MuayThai Expo.
