February 6th marked the day of the celebration of Muaythai in honour of the Ayutthaya-era king Somdet Phra Sanphet VIII, also known as Phra Chao Suea (the Tiger King), the father of Muaythai. With over 60 countries joining in the celebration with events ranging from Krob Khru ceremonies, social responsibility events and so on, with the main event held in Thailand at the department of culture. The Minister of the Culture Ministry of Thailand, HE Mr Vira Rojpojchanarat, WMC President, General Chetta Thanajaro, and IFMA President, Dr Sakchye Tapsuwan presided over the ceremony. The international community was represented by IFMA General Secretary Mr Stephan Fox, Vice President of FAMA ,Dato’ Shahnaz Azmi of Malaysia, and the Vice President of the European Muaythai Federation, Mr Detlef Turnau.
It was a celebration for Muaythai in general with all the different masters coming together representing all the different styles of Muaythai: Muay Korat, Muay Lopburi, Muay Chaiya, Muay Thasao, and Muay Palasuksa. A special Wai Khru ceremony took place and the Mae Mai Muaythai techniques were demonstrated as well. February 6th was great day of celebration for all the 128 International Federations and the millions of practitioners of the cultural art form and sport of Muaythai around the world.