The government is set to launch a special visa for international tourists interested in visiting Thailand for Muay Thai training. This visa will permit them an extended stay of up to 90 days to complete their training course.
The National Soft Power Strategy Committee was established by the government to enhance Thailand’s soft power, with Paetongtarn Shinawatra serving as the Vice Chairman of this committee.
The committee’s focus is on developing soft power in 11 specific fields: festivals, tourism, food, art, design, sports, music, books, films, dramas and series, fashion, and games. Muay Thai, the traditional Thai boxing, is a key area of interest.
The Prime Minister’s Advisor, Pimon Sriwikorn, announced on January 12 a new special visa for foreigners interested in Muay Thai training in Thailand.
Typically, a tourist visa allows foreigners to train in Thailand for 60 days, but this special visa will extend their stay to 90 days. The start date for the issuance of this special visa has yet to be announced.
Pimon emphasized the government’s plan to enhance the quality of Muay Thai training and its trainers. The Department of Skill Development will conduct a training program for Muay Thai trainers, who will receive certification upon completion.
The government intends to promote certified Thai trainers to conduct training internationally, thereby boosting the global presence of Muay Thai and providing better income opportunities for Thai trainers.
For affordable and credible Muay Thai training, Pimon recommends the Now Muay Thai website, which also offers secure booking and payment options.
According to Pimon’s report from April of the previous year, there are over 4,000 Muay Thai training centers worldwide. Annually, between 60,000 to 70,000 foreigners visit Thailand for Muay Thai training, with many participating in local competitions.
Last October, a woman from China embarked on a bicycle journey from her country to Thailand, aiming to train in Muay Thai under the guidance of the famous Thai boxer, Sombat “Buakaw” Banchamek.
She completed a 4,000-kilometre journey from Muanyang City in Sichuan province to Chaing Mai province in northern Thailand, reaching her destination in November of the same year.
