The Youth Muaythai Stage Dance Contest 2026 has started, engaging young people to carry on Muaythai through contemporary dance art. Total prize money exceeds 500,000 baht. The final round will be held on 20 June 2026 at The Mall Bangkae, with free admission.
On 9 June 2026, at MCC Hall, The Mall Lifestore Bangkae, Bangkok, a press conference was held for the "Youth Muaythai Stage Dance Contest 2026." This project promotes youth through creative activities combining Muaythai art with contemporary stage dance. It was supported by the Military Sports Promotion Association (Thailand), the Department of Physical Education, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and related partners.
The event honored Dr. Panya Hanlamyuang, Vice President of the Military Sports Promotion Association (Thailand); Mr. Suthon Wichairat, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Physical Education; Mr. Adulyachat Kanthama, Director of the Institute for Personnel Development in Physical Education and Sports; Ms. Chanyan Thamrongwinichai, General Manager of Marketing Activities at The Mall Group Co., Ltd.; Ms. Daranee Likhitvorasak, and Mr. Theerawat Yiyuim, both committee members of the Military Sports Promotion Association (Thailand); and Mr. Wankla Khwankaeo, also a committee member. They jointly gave the press conference and shared their vision on youth development through sports, arts, and Thai culture.
Dr. Panya Hanlamyuang, Vice President of the Military Sports Promotion Association (Thailand), said the association recognizes the importance of sustaining Muaythai art. Hence, it initiated the Youth Muaythai Stage Dance Contest 2026 to encourage youth participation in preserving and promoting Muaythai through activities aligned with young people's interests. By blending Muaythai art with stage dance, the contest offers youth opportunities to develop creativity, planning, teamwork, as well as improve personality and social skills through competition.
Meanwhile, Mr. Suthon Wichairat, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Physical Education, said the department promotes physical activity, exercise, sports, and recreation across all age groups, alongside preserving and promoting Muaythai as a national heritage. This competition integrates these two key goals by combining Muaythai art with contemporary dance to inspire youth to engage in exercise and learn the value of Thai culture.
Mr. Wankla Khwankaeo, committee member, explained the competition format consists of two rounds: an online audition round judged by video submissions with a maximum score of 100 points based on skills; and a final round where scoring combines 70 points for skills and 30 points for Popular Vote. Each Like counts as 1 point, and every 2 Shares count as 1 point. The combined scores determine the winners.
Each team’s performance has three segments: an opening segment lasting 1 minute; a Step Dance segment blending the traditional Wai Kru ritual and Muaythai moves lasting 2 minutes; and a contemporary dance segment lasting 2 minutes. The total performance time must not exceed 5 minutes. Exceeding the time limit results in disqualification from judging in both the selection and final rounds.
Mr. Wankla Khwankaeo emphasized that the most important judging criteria are teamwork, creativity, and using Muaythai art as the core in designing a performance combined with modern dance. The goal is to create unique works that can be developed into exercise activities or inspire youth broadly.
Additionally, the Military Sports Promotion Association (Thailand) has prepared prizes for winners in each category: first prize of 50,000 baht; runner-up 30,000 baht; second runner-up 20,000 baht; two consolation prizes of 10,000 baht each; a Popular Vote prize of 10,000 baht; and a consolation prize of 5,000 baht for teams not winning an award. All winning teams will receive trophies from Dr. Sutin Klangsang, President of the Military Sports Promotion Association (Thailand). Total prize money throughout the contest exceeds 500,000 baht.
The final competition will take place on 20 June 2026 at MCC Hall, The Mall Lifestore Bangkae, Bangkae. The event is open to the public with free admission, encouraging support for the finalists and showcasing creative performances that blend the unique art of Muaythai with contemporary dance on stage.