Shanghai: Muay Thai Masterclass invades China, receiving an overwhelming response; Sports Authority of Thailand declares it a "flagship" program to lead the country into the global market. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Sports Authority of Thailand, the Boxing Commission of Thailand, and the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Shanghai, in collaboration with the International Muay Thai Association (IFMA), organized a sports tourism promotion event: the Sports Tourism Muaythai Masterclass 2026. This event was held at the New Jing'an Sports Center in Shanghai, China, and was part of Thailand's activities at the "Thai Festival Shanghai 2026," held from May 16-17, 2026, at the Raffles City Changning Shopping Center in Shanghai.
According to Thai News Agency, the festival showcased high-quality Thai fruits, food, beverages, Thai massage, and Muay Thai in China. The Sports Tourism Muaythai Masterclass was led by Lt. Gen. M.C. Navaphan Yukol, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the International Muay Thai Association (IFMA), and other distinguished officials including M.L. Anuphorn Kasemsant and Mrs. Prodpran Samanmit, Deputy Governor for Professional Sports and Boxing, Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT).
Muay Thai instructors, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anan Mekhasawan, conducted the masterclass along with Mr. Suphan Chabairam, Mr. Warin Chancham, Mr. Nawapol Chanmanee, and Mr. Katika Piyawong. The event also featured renowned Muay Thai fighters like Captain Sombat Banchamek, known as Buakaw Banchamek, Sudsakorn Sor. Klinmee, and Chantakan Manobal, or Phayahong Ayothaya Fight Gym, who acted as "Muay Thai Ambassadors" for the 2026 Sports Tourism promotion.
The atmosphere at the opening ceremony was vibrant, with numerous Chinese participants eager to train in Muay Thai skills. They engaged in a Muay Thai Master Workshop, receiving insights and special training techniques from the esteemed fighters. The training sessions included instruction on stance, punches, kicks, knees, and elbows, and culminated in the practice of the traditional Muay Thai Wai Kru.
Additionally, the event featured exhibitions and information sessions on Muay Thai products and related goods and services aimed at business matching. This initiative provided entrepreneurs with the opportunity to expand their markets and attract Chinese tourists interested in Muay Thai. The goal is to encourage these tourists to return to China to train in Muay Thai or to establish a "Muay Thai Masterland," aligning with the government's policy of promoting Muay Thai globally.
Ms. Proadpran Samanmit expressed the SAT's delight in opening new markets for Muay Thai, starting with Saudi Arabia and now China. Acknowledging China's vast market potential, she highlighted the significance of this opportunity to expand the Muay Thai market. The next destination on the agenda is Japan, where Muay Thai holds considerable popularity. The SAT, as the agency promoting and developing national sports like Muay Thai, aims to use this initiative as a flagship sport to elevate Thailand on the global stage.