The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continue to promote Muay Thai to the Belgian people through both theoretical and practical training, reflecting a cultural heritage that helps drive the creative economy.
The Royal Thai Embassy in Brussels, together with the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has promoted and shared Muay Thai in the Kingdom of Belgium through training and demonstration activities held at the Bulldogs gym and the Mas Museum in Antwerp from 26 to 27 September 2026.
Ms. Kanchana Phatcharochok, Ambassador to Brussels, led embassy officials and representatives from SAT and the Department of Information in organizing Muay Thai training sessions for Belgians. Renowned professional Thai trainers and fighters shared their knowledge and experience with over 200 participants, including youth and adults, both female and male, who showed great interest and were impressed by the event.
At the event, participants learned both theoretical and practical aspects, starting with Muay Thai’s history and values, demonstrations of the Wai Khru ceremony, ancient boxing forms, and traditional Muay Thai techniques. They trained in punches, kicks, knees, elbows, throws, pins, holds, and joint locks through workshops that allowed close interaction with Thai trainers. There were also live Muay Thai matches between local trainers and Thai fighters, adding excitement and spectacle throughout the event.
This event demonstrated that Muay Thai is not only a sport but also a cultural heritage combining martial arts, discipline, and mutual respect. Attendees gained an appreciation of Muay Thai’s roots and uniqueness, learning how traditional techniques apply to modern Muay Thai, recognized internationally as a sport promoting physical and mental health. It also plays a key role in advancing Thailand’s creative economy by leveraging cultural values into economic opportunities, particularly by promoting sales of Muay Thai equipment and related products from Thailand, which attracted participants’ interest and helped expand the Thai product market in Europe alongside elevating the overall Muay Thai industry.
Belgians continue to admire Thailand and Thai culture, especially Muay Thai. Many expressed interest in traveling to Thailand to train seriously, aiming to develop their sporting skills while learning about Thai culture, sportsmanship, and the respect toward trainers and opponents that lies at the heart of Muay Thai.
