Muay Thai experts to train Saudi army

In an effort to promote the sport as an illustration of Thailand’s soft power, the state will give eight Muay Thai authorities to Saudi Arabia in April to teach the country ‘ military and national athletes.

The program, according to Pimol Srivikorn, a consultant to the prime minister and the president of the sports sub-committee in the National Soft Power Strategy Committee, has already brought Muay Thai trainers ‘ standards up to world-class levels and given them more chances to spread the sport abroad.

In order to create Muay Thai instructors and grant national certificates to qualified applicants, the Sports Authority of Thailand ( SAT ) will open higher-standard testing facilities in Chiang Mai, Songkhla, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chon Buri, and Bangkok.

Additionally, a coordination center may be set up to assist in connecting Thai teachers with foreign customers who are interested in hiring them.

Mr. Pimol claims that preparations are also being made for international roadshows. In Europe and the Middle East, the roadshows may begin with well-known Muay Thai fighters and brief groups and seminars.

According to Mr. Pimol, the Thai consulate in Riyadh has requested that eight government-certified Muay Thai trainers—male and female—travel to Saudi Arabia in April to educate the country’s army and boxers.

Each instructor will receive between 80 000 and 120 000 ringgit per month.