Ayutthaya to commemorate iconic Muay Thai master who stunned Burmese 247 years ago
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province will organise an event to mark Nai Khanom Tom Day on March 17.
The event will take place at Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province Stadium.
Provincial Governor Panu Yaemsri appointed his deputy Sarunphat Pramotaka to preside over the meeting on Friday in a bid to stimulate tourism.
The event commemorates the victory of Nai Khanom Tom, a famous Muay Thai master, against Burmese boxers in a tournament at King Mangra's Palace on March 17, 1774.
King Mangra was so impressed that he reportedly remarked, "Every part of the Siamese is blessed with venom. Even with his bare hands, he can fell nine or ten opponents."
King Mangra granted Nai Khanom Tom and his fellow-Thai prisoners freedom following the victory.
Later, King Taksin marked March 17 every year as Nai Khanom Tom Day to celebrate the Muay Thai master, while Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya people built the Nai Khanom Tom monument at Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province Stadium.