The International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) is proud to report on the significant developments taking place in Thailand, the birthplace of the sport, through its representative National Federation. Thailand’s commitment to advancing and safeguarding muaythai has been bolstered by a recent meeting under the “Sports Promotion for Thai National Development” project, operating under Royal Patronage. This meeting marked a major milestone in the formalization of efforts to unify and elevate the sport across the nation.
Unified Vision for Muaythai’s Future
A key focus of the meeting was the Royal Majesty’s gracious approval for the appointment of the Muaythai Sports Committee. This initiative is a strategic step toward ensuring all Thai organizations work collaboratively to enhance, promote, and protect the sport of muaythai. With Thailand leading the charge, the project will ensure that the sport is developed according to unified national standards, setting a global benchmark.
Distinguished Leadership and Committees Established
The meeting, chaired by esteemed figures, included:
- His Serene Highness Prince Nawaphansa Yugala – Chair of the IFMA Advisory Board
- Colonel Preymindra Ratcharitborirak – Senior Grand Chamberlain in the Bureau of the Royal Household and Chairman of the Executive Committee for the Project to Promote Sports for National Development under Royal Patronage
- Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Satitpong Sukvimol – Director-General and Chairman of the Board of the Crown Property Bureau (CPB) and Lord Chamberlain of the Bureau of the Royal Household
The meeting also featured representatives from key governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Sports, the Sports Authority, and the National Olympic Committee. A primary outcome of the meeting was the establishment of two important committees:
- Advisory Committee on Muaythai Sports
- Executive Committee on Muaythai Sports
These committees will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing initiatives with national agencies across the public, private, and government sectors to elevate the National Standard Muaythai (NSM).
Commitment to Excellence and New Resolutions
The committees are tasked with addressing key challenges in muaythai, including the lack of unified standards, recognition, and oversight. A comprehensive plan was adopted to review and strengthen the national standards for muaythai. This includes the creation of seven subcommittees focused on areas such as:
- Elevating the Standards of Muaythai Instructors
- Elevating the Standards of Muaythai Referees
- Organizing Muaythai Competitions
- Elevating the Standards of Muaythai Camps
- Developing a Muaythai Sports Database
- Monitoring, Evaluating, and Reporting on Muaythai
- Developing a National Muaythai Sports Curriculum
The Muaythai Sports Committee’s office will work to finalize the National Standard Muaythai document within the year, with the goal of promoting muaythai on an international scale.
Support from IFMA Leadership
Also in attendance at the meeting were Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan, President of IFMA and AMTAT, and Khun Somchart Charoenwacharawit, Vice President of IFMA and President of PAT. Both leaders represent two of Thailand’s nationally recognised muaythai federations and reaffirmed the shared commitment to strengthening the sport’s development.
This initiative marks an exciting step forward for the sport of muaythai, not only in Thailand but globally. IFMA, as the sole IOC-recognised international governing body for muaythai, is eager to continue collaborating closely with Thailand’s National Federation to advance the sport’s standards and recognition on the world stage.