Bangkok: The 1st World Military Muay Thai Games is set to kick off today at Siam Paragon, while CISM announced that Muay Thai will be included in the 2027 World Military Games in the United States. The Royal Thai Army Headquarters, together with the Military Sports Promotion Association (Thailand), confirmed their readiness to organize the event, with Maj. Gen. Pongpat Songsunthorn, Director of the Military Welfare Office, serving as Chairman of the Organizing Committee. Mr. Chalitrat Chantrubeksa, Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee for Driving the Sports Industry, Colonel Nilsson Gomes Rolimfilho, President of the World Military Sports Federation, and Buakaw Banchamek, a renowned Thai boxer, also contributed to explaining the competition details.
According to Thai News Agency, Maj. Gen. Pongpat stated that the organization of the Muay Thai World Military Games aims to promote Thailand's "soft power." The Thai military recognizes the potential of Muay Thai, which serves as both a martial art and a cultural heritage. It can be utilized as a tool to build international relationships and enhance Thailand's global image. The International Military Sports Federation (CISM) has announced that Muay Thai will be officially included in the 2027 Military World Games in the United States.
The 1st World Military Muay Thai Championship is scheduled to take place from July 10-13 at Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon Shopping Center.
Buakaw Banchamek, the famous Thai boxer, has opened the 'Banchamek Gym' in Bangkok's Pradiphat area. The gym caters to individuals interested in exercising and learning Muay Thai for health purposes. Buakaw emphasized that the gym focuses on training for health and fitness, with coaches providing close supervision. The facility also offers Muay Thai sports equipment for sale.