Thailand Launches Global Muay Thai Songkhla Festival

The Thai Sports Authority, under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, has announced the Global Muay Thai Songkhla Festival, a cultural sports event designed to stimulate economic recovery and promote muay thai as a key driver of Thailand's sports industry and cultural tourism. Suraskdi Koetjuntuk, Deputy Governor of the Thai Sports Authority for Sports Promotion, stated that muay thai extends far beyond sport, serving as a cultural asset linked to tourism, health, careers, and income generation. The festival will offer learning, fitness, competitions, and entertainment activities accessible to all groups, with a target of 10,000 participants and projected circulation of at least 100 million baht in the region.

The Thai Sports Authority aims for the event to serve as a platform for promoting muay thai globally while boosting Songkhla's economy and positioning the province as a premier muay thai and sports tourism destination. The festival will strengthen connections with Malaysia, the broader ASEAN region, and international tourists. Songkhla already attracts approximately 6.97 million visitors annually, generating over 50,660 million baht in tourism revenue.

The festival will be held September 29-30, 2025, at Tinsoolannont Stadium near Samila Beach in Songkhla Province, with free entry for all. The event will feature master classes in muay thai, international muay thai competitions, and cultural performances, including a performance by the award-winning muay thai music group from Wachirawuth School. Featured fights include matches between international and Thai fighters across multiple weight classes. Renowned Thai boxer Tank Jitmuangnon and actor-muay thai enthusiast Peter Denmam will discuss muay thai's appeal and potential across sports, culture, fitness, tourism, and entertainment.