Governor of Songkhla Honors Southern Thai Boxing Community

Songkhla: The Governor of Songkhla presented awards to honor outstanding individuals in the southern Thai boxing community, emphasizing the importance of preserving and passing on the art of Muay Thai to future generations. According to Thai News Agency, the event took place at the meeting room on the 2nd floor of the Sports Authority of Thailand office, Tinsulanon Stadium, Mueang Songkhla District, Songkhla Province. Mr. Ratsasart Chidchu, Governor of Songkhla Province, presided over the ceremony. Present at the event were Mrs. Uraiwan Chanlap, Director of the Sports Authority of Thailand, Songkhla Province; Mr. Pittaya Rattanaphan, President of the Southern Professional Boxing Association; Lieutenant Colonel Surin Aransai, Vice President of the Association; along with committee members and association members. This award ceremony, organized by the Southern Professional Boxing Association, aims to recognize individuals and boxing camps with outstanding achievements and contributions to the boxing professi on. Held annually during the association's general meeting, the event highlights remarkable contributions to the boxing scene in Southern Thailand. The selection process involved nominations, qualifications verification, and screening by the committee to align with the association's goals of promoting achievements and fostering pride within the boxing industry. The event also acknowledged the support from various sectors, both government and private. During the ceremony, the Governor expressed his honor and delight in presiding over the event, praising the award recipients for their dedication to the Thai boxing scene in the southern region. He stressed the importance of Muay Thai as a cultural heritage and encouraged efforts to preserve and promote it, particularly among children and youth, to nurture future athletes. The Governor highlighted the international popularity of Muay Thai, noting the increasing interest from foreigners in training in Thailand and the adoption of Muay Thai by several ASEAN coun tries. This global recognition underscores the unique value of Thai martial arts. In closing, the Governor urged collaboration among southern provinces to preserve, conserve, and support boxing camps and creative spaces for youth, using sports as a means to keep them engaged positively and away from drugs, ensuring the sport's continuity for future generations.