Deputy PM Opens Authentic Muaythai National Finals in Udon Thani
Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri opened the Authentic Muaythai national finals in Udon Thani on October 11, highlighting the sport’s cultural and economic value. The fourth‑year tournament, supported by government sports agencies, features a knockout format across six weight classes and aims to develop grassroots fighters into professionals. Officials said the event promotes Muay Thai as soft power, creates jobs, and boosts local communities through cultural activities.
The Authentic Muaythai competition, now in its fourth year, is backed by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Sports Authority of Thailand, the National Sports Development Fund, and the Sports Authority’s Muay Thai Committee. This year’s tournament follows a knockout format, beginning with the round of 16 and progressing through quarterfinals, semifinals, and regional finals across four zones—South, North, Northeast, and Central—covering six weight classes (five for men, one for women). The initiative aims to give grassroots fighters a pathway to professional bouts such as RWS and ONE Championship. Sports Authority Governor Proadpran Samanmit said the event raises local Muay Thai standards to international levels, uses the martial art to preserve culture through new talent, and creates jobs and income for those in the Muay Thai sector while stimulating community economies via local arts, music, food, and products. Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri praised Muay Thai as a valued cultural heritage and Thai fighting wisdom, an internationally recognized soft power that generates careers, income, and attracts global tourists. He added that the royal permission to display the national sports promotion emblem on trophies, medals, and certificates is a great honor and blessing for the competition and its participants.
