BMA to offer Muay Thai as an elective in schools

Training may promote cultural preservation and impart the value of discipline to younger people.

According to city council president Surajit Pongsingwitthaya, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ) is offering Muay Thai as an elective course in 437 of its schools to preserve the culture and teach students about discipline.

He said after a conference with Thanakorn Chaisri, chairman of the BMA’s Department of Education, that the fighting courses would be offered as part of the health research and natural education study grouping.

The course is certain to spur interest among young students, as part of the BMA’s drive to promote Thailand’s soft power in the sporting field, said Mr Surajit.

He claimed that there are many benefits to Muay Thai, from teaching young people to be disciplined and structured to instilling a sense of sportsmanship.

The council president said the classes could be held after school because certified trainers from various Thai boxing camps will be enlisted to teach the course.

He added that staff from other state agencies and outsiders may also be able to access the training on the BMA-run school premises.

According to Mr. Surajit, the fighting art could even be pursued as a profession, leading to its preservation as a national martial art.

” Youngsters will understand the history ( of Thai boxing ) and learn to value the culture and heritage”, he said. ” It’s a sport that spreads the word about Thailand’s soft power, attracting deep interest from people around the world”.