Thailand Showcases Muaythai at Asian Games in Nagoya
Thailand showcased muaythai at the Asian Games in Nagoya with demonstrations by world champion fighters, traditional ceremonies, and cultural performances designed to promote the sport as a tourism and soft power tool.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Karnjanajiva presided over the opening of the Thailand Showcase — Amazing Muaythai Festival, joined by senior officials from the Tourism and Sports Ministry and the Professional Boxing Association of Thailand (PABA). The event took place on September 22 at the ONE ASIA WORLD Celebration Fan Zone in Hisaya Odori Park, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
The minister stated that the showcase presents Thailand during the 20th Asian Games and reflects strong ties between Thailand and Japan in sports, culture, and tourism. Highlights included the traditional wai kru ritual, demonstrations by world champion muaythai fighters, performances of traditional sword and knife dances, and exhibitions of Thai national team uniforms designed by SIRIVANNAVARI brand, showcasing Thai identity and creative power to audiences across Asia and the world. The Thai government is actively promoting soft power and sports tourism, with muaythai serving as a bridge to draw people worldwide to Thailand.
The PABA brought two renowned world-class muaythai fighters, Stamp Fairtex and Rambo Lek Chiang Chai Boonying, to demonstrate the skill and excellence of Thai boxing. Key activities included the wai kru ceremony and technical demonstrations by both champions, plus Meet & Greet sessions allowing sports fans to interact closely with the fighters and take photographs.
