Annual World Wai Khru Muay Thai Ceremony to bring 1800 disciples

By APD writer Chen Jiabao

Bangkok,Mar.9 (APD) -- The annual World Wai Khru Muay Thai Ceremony is scheduled from Mar.16 to 17 in central Thailand's Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, where over 1,800 international disciples of the art of Thai boxing will gather from over 60 countries from around the world.

The ceremony will be held by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), which is expected to to showcase the uniqueness of the Thai style of boxing and to promote and enhance the knowledge and understanding of the sport for foreigners.

The 14th annual event this year has added significance, as it falls on the celebration of Nai Khanom Tom Day on 17 March. He was an almost mythological Muay Thai folk hero and warrior who is also hailed as the ‘Father of Muay Thai’.

Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of TAT, said: “The World Wai Khru Muay Thai Ceremony 2018 provides continuity that ensures the art form is being properly preserved and curated for future generations as many consider Wai Khru to be the ‘heart and soul’ of Muay Thai.

“Wai Khru is much more than a ceremonial kick boxing ritual, performance art or just paying respect to one’s teacher. It is an important part of Thailand’s cultural and martial arts history with origins that are traced back to ancient battlefields when Thai soldiers fought for independence, centuries before Muay Thai developed into a martial art for sport”, explained the governor.

As with all Thai local events and experiences sponsored by TAT, the annual World Wai Khru Muay Thai Ceremony 2018 features heaps of tasty Thai food, lots of quality handicraft shopping, Muay Thai boxing souvenirs and memorabilia plus free cultural and historical lessons for good measure.

Thai martial art performances are interactive with audience members encouraged to participate in energy testing through ancient Muay Thai boxing drills that include kicking a banana tree, punching limes and chopping water.

Numerous Thai food stalls will be serving modern and retro-period interpretations on traditional Thai cuisine.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)