Thailand is hosting the 2nd Thailand Kickboxing World Cup, which opened grandly with more than 720 athletes from 32 countries competing.
Thailand is hosting the 2nd Thailand Kickboxing World Cup, organized by the Kickboxing Association of Thailand and the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO), in cooperation with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Bangkok, and the National Sports Development Fund. The grand opening featured 720 fighters from 32 countries, accompanied by over 1,200 officials and attendants, all ready to compete fiercely.
The 2nd Thailand Kickboxing World Cup is held at Gymnasium 1, Bangkok Youth Center (Thai-Japanese). Mr. Roy Baker, President of the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO), and Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), jointly presided over the opening ceremony.
Also present were Ms. Panida Kaewmak, Deputy Director of the Bangkok Culture, Sports and Tourism Office; Mr. Phai Lik, President of the Kickboxing Association of Thailand; General Surachart Jitchaeng, President of the Karate Association of Thailand; Lieutenant General Patanachai Patancharoen, Head of Military Judiciary; Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Thira Boonyanee Kittikorn, Secretary-General of the Kickboxing Association of Thailand; along with athletes and officials from 32 countries totaling over 1,200 participants attending the ceremony.
The international kickboxing competition, the 2nd Thailand Kickboxing World Cup, is organized by the Kickboxing Association of Thailand and WAKO, together with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Bangkok, and the National Sports Development Fund.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaiboon, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said that Thailand being trusted by the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO) to host this major global event for the second consecutive year reflects the country's capability in organizing and managing international sports events effectively.
She expressed confidence that the 2nd Thailand Kickboxing World Cup will elevate the reputation of Thai kickboxing on the international stage, support the development of youth athletes toward excellence and global competition, and help popularize kickboxing both domestically and abroad through media coverage worldwide. This will enhance Thailand’s image as a destination for sports tourism in the future.
Additionally, holding the competition during the Songkran festival offers a valuable opportunity to connect global sports events with Thai cultural traditions, creating a memorable experience that encourages repeat tourism and supports sustainable growth of the country’s tourism economy.
Mr. Phai Lik, President of the Kickboxing Association of Thailand, stated that Thailand's continued selection by WAKO to host the 2nd Thailand Kickboxing World Cup marks an important milestone for Thai kickboxing and brings great pride to the association.
He added that this reflects the progress of Thai kickboxing athletes in terms of skill, standards, and readiness for international competition, alongside the growing popularity of the sport and the association’s success in elevating it to global standards.
For this 2nd Thailand Kickboxing World Cup, the association has collaborated with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the National Sports Development Fund, and Bangkok authorities. Over 720 athletes from 32 countries, plus more than 1,200 supporters and officials, are competing in both male and female categories, spanning youth to senior levels.
The competition follows the official rules and judging standards of WAKO to ensure transparency, fairness, and international standards. It is scheduled from 9 to 11 April at Gymnasium 1, Bangkok Youth Center (Thai-Japanese), and is open free of charge to the public.
Those interested can follow updates and details about the competition through the official public relations channels at https://www.facebook.com/KickBoxingThaiOfficial (Kickboxing Association of Thailand).