Pattani's 'Desirable City Year of Celebration' Hosts KATPRO On The Beach Grassroots Muay Thai Fights at Wasukhree Beach

Pattani province launched its 'Desirable City Year of Celebration' on May 2, 2025, at Wasukhree Beach in Sai Buri District with the 'PATTANI NIGHT FEST ON THE BEACH' event. General Nortthip Phoynaok, Regional Command 4 commander, officially opened the KATPRO On The Beach grassroots muay thai fighting competition as part of a cultural-based sport tourism project designed to elevate traditional community activities into tourism products. The event drew large crowds of locals, tourists, and muay thai enthusiasts from both Thailand and Malaysia.

Notable attendees included Pattani Governor Patimah Sadiyamu, Dr. Suparani Kuptasa (advisor to Thailand's Kickboxing Association), and various government and private sector representatives from both nations. The atmosphere reflected strong multi-sector cooperation in driving creative initiatives in Sai Buri District. Beyond the muay thai matches and decorative lighting, the Tourism Authority of Thailand showcased a spectacular drone display featuring over 500 drones creating aerial formations above the beach.

General Nortthip emphasized that the event aligns with sustainable tourism principles focused on 'quality and identity' rather than volume, incorporating marine resource conservation and community participation. The initiative serves as a mechanism to elevate fishing traditions and local livelihoods into sustainable economic, social, and cultural assets for Pattani Province. KATPRO On The Beach provides a platform for athletes nationwide while strengthening sports and cultural relations with neighboring countries, particularly Malaysia. Dr. Suparani, a native of Sai Buri, aims to establish Wasukhree Beach as a continuous venue for sports and cultural tourism events to attract both Thai and international tourists. The strong participation from Thailand and Malaysia signals positive momentum for Sai Buri's economy and tourism sector, generating income for local businesses, merchants, communities, and youth while using sports as a medium to foster love, unity, and peace in Thailand's southern border region.