Halfway through it has passed.
The largest sports event for Asian peoples, the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, in the land of the samurai.
With nearly one week remaining, the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) remains confident that
the Thai national athletes will surely achieve their target of 15 gold medals!!
They urge fans to wholeheartedly support and cheer.
Meanwhile, Thai citizens suffering hardships across every region
are hoping the heavy rains causing the current flood crisis in our country
will soon ease... please, dear heavens!
Regarding the 2026 Asian Games period,
SAT’s Boxing Sports Committee brought two world champion Muay Thai fighters,
“Rambo Lek Chor.Ajalaboon” and “Stamp Fairtex,” to showcase the charm and potential of Muay Thai
at the "Thailand Showcase — Amazing Muaythai Festival" held on 22 September.
This took place at ONE ASIA WORLD (Celebration Fan Zone), Hisaya Odori Park, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
The event was officially opened by Mr. Surasak Pancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports,
along with senior executives from the Sports Authority of Thailand, who attended enthusiastically.
Including Ms. Natariya Taweewong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports; Mr. Patsakorn Rangsiwatsak, Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Sports,
Ms. Prodtaran Samanmitr, Deputy Governor of SAT for Professional Sports and Boxing, and the incoming SAT Governor,
Mr. Thachanat Thongprakob, Deputy Governor of SAT for Strategy and Information Technology,
Mr. Chalitrat Chantrubeksa, representative of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand,
and Mr. Natthapon Antarsen, Director of the Boxing Sports Committee.
The Minister of Tourism and Sports stated,
"Thailand Showcase – Amazing Muaythai Festival" is an activity presenting Thailand during the 20th Asian Games.
It reflects the strong friendship between Thailand and Japan in sports, culture, and tourism.
The event featured the Wai Khru Muay Thai ritual and demonstrations by world champion Muay Thai fighters,
as well as presentations of traditional sword and staff arts.
There was also an exhibition of the Thai national team’s competition outfits designed by the SIRIVANNAVARI brand,
reflecting Thai identity and creativity to Asian and global audiences.
The Thai government seriously promotes Soft Power and sports tourism policies,
aiming for Muay Thai to act as a bridge connecting people worldwide to Thailand.
They believe this event will help increase awareness and interest in Muay Thai.
A highlight that greatly interested the Japanese public was the participation of two world-renowned Muay Thai fighters, Stamp and Rambo Lek,
who showcased the skill and uniqueness of Muay Thai.
This included the Wai Khru ritual and skill demonstrations.
Also featured was a Meet & Greet session allowing fans to meet, talk, and take photos closely with the fighters.
The goal was to raise awareness that Muay Thai is not just a competitive sport,
but also a cultural art that connects people internationally.
It serves as a starting point for tourism, products, and services linked to Thailand’s Muay Thai industry.
This event is considered important for promoting Thai culture,
strengthening international relations,
and declaring Thailand’s readiness
to proudly stand on the global stage!!!
- Bee Bangpakong -