Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will host the 2026 Muay Thai Festival from February 4th to 7th at Rajapakti Park in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Themed "The Ultimate Muay Thai Experience," the event celebrates National Muay Thai Day and is a significant step for Thailand in consolidating its sports tourism status, showcasing the charm of Muay Thai culture, and paying tribute to Queen Sirikit.
This Muay Thai Festival is jointly organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, the Royal Thai Army, the Sports Department, the Ministry of Culture, and other departments, as well as institutions such as Jongbung Rajabhat University and the World Boxing Council Muay Thai Division. By linking public and private sector efforts, the festival aims to enhance the international influence of Muay Thai as a Thai cultural heritage, using Muay Thai as a link to drive the development of sports tourism and empower the local economy.
Nat Krutasut, Deputy Director of Tourism Products and Operations at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, stated that the 2026 Muay Thai Festival demonstrates Thailand's commitment to protecting and promoting Muay Thai as a living cultural heritage, inviting global tourists to immerse themselves in its charm. This sport, which blends physical training with traditional rituals and community culture, enriches the tourism experience and continuously promotes the deep integration of sports tourism and local development.
The four-day Muay Thai Festival offers a diverse range of activities, with exciting events running daily from 4 PM to 10 PM, encompassing three main sections: sports competitions, cultural performances, and interactive experiences. Visitors can watch professional Muay Thai matches, visit exhibitions on Muay Thai rituals and traditions, and learn about different boxer ranking systems. At the Ancient Muay Thai Camp (4 PM to 7 PM), they can experience training courses from four ancient styles: Southern Chaiya, Northeastern Nakhon Ratchasima, Northern Thassau, and Central Lopburi. Stage performances begin at 4:05 PM and include self-defense demonstrations, traditional folk games such as Muay Thai Tak and Muay Thai Talay, as well as daytime cultural performances and evening modern shows.
February 6th, National Muay Thai Day, is the highlight of this event, commemorating King Samp VIII, the "Tiger King." From 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, a grand celebration will be held, including ceremonies honoring seven former kings and the Tiger King, the offering of royal tributes, a Brahmin blessing ceremony, and a discipleship ceremony led by Muay Thai masters. The evening's grand finale will be a four-act performance by over 1,500 performers, accompanied by dazzling lights, sound, and fireworks, showcasing the richness and brilliance of Muay Thai culture.
In addition, visitors can participate in traditional strength tests such as banana tree kicking and lime boxing, view displays of traditional Muay Thai crafts such as sacred tattoos and amulet engraving, experience interactive skill games, purchase Muay Thai equipment and training courses, sample local Prachuap Khiri Khan cuisine, and buy specialty products. Live music performances at 8:00 PM and mini-concerts by renowned artists at 9:00 PM each evening further enhance the atmosphere.
Currently, Thailand has over 5,000 Muay Thai training camps and gyms nationwide, possessing a strong capacity to accommodate international tourists. The government's non-immigrant Muay Thai visa provides strong support, allowing foreign tourists to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days, receive training at certified training camps, and extend their stay for up to one year. This further solidifies Thailand's position as a premier global destination for Muay Thai learning and experience.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand expects this Muay Thai festival to attract approximately 18,000 tourists, generating about 214 million baht in economic value, continuously driving travel to Thailand for Muay Thai enthusiasts and culture lovers, and helping Thailand maintain its position as a world-leading Muay Thai tourism destination.
