Phuket: 'Muay Thai Phuket Festival 2025' opens with a grand opening from August 15-17, 2025, at Robinson Chalong (Soi Ta Eiad), Phuket Province, under a collaboration between the public and private sectors, supporting the government's Soft Power policy, using Muay Thai as a driving force for the creative economy, reinforcing Phuket's image as a "world-class Muay Thai hub," promoting tourism, creating jobs, and elevating the Muay Thai community for sustainable growth.
According to Thai News Agency, the event was honored by Colonel Adul Chuthong, Deputy Governor of Phuket Province, Asst. Prof. Pimol Srivikorn, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Driving the Sports Industry, and a group of people including Mr. Somchai Poolsawat, Mr. Paitoon Chutimakornkul, General Orachai Bunsukjitseri, Maj. Gen. Thanapol Phakdiphum, and Mr. Nattaphon Antrasen, Director of the Office of the Boxing Sports Commission.
Colonel Adul stated, "Phuket prioritizes promoting the economy through tourism, including food, sports, and culture. Muay Thai is a source of pride for Thai people, and Phuket boasts numerous boxing camps, particularly in Soi Ta Eiad. The 'Muay Thai Phuket Festival 2025' is a platform that truly promotes Muay Thai."
Asst. Prof. Pimol Srivikorn highlighted that Muay Thai is renowned globally, with over 700-800 foreign boxers training daily in Phuket, paying an average fee of 700-800 baht per person per day for lessons. The accommodation is fully booked, with 200-300 rooms occupied. This three-day event features Muay Thai competitions, product displays, workshops, and a Wai Khru Muay Thai ceremony, attracting a significant number of international tourists. Despite rain, attendance remained high, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.
The main event was a Southern Professional Boxing Championship, 135-pound weight class, where Yodkaoklai P.U. Phaiphai Surat Thani won by points over Singdaeng Sitmoddaeng.
The festival also includes various activities, such as 15 professional Muay Thai matches over three days, Muay Thai workshops for international tourists by renowned boxers Kongthoranee S. Sommai, Superlek Kiatmoo9, and Yod IQ P.K. Saenchai Muay Thai Gym, product display booths from boxing camps, and numerous other activities.
The "Muay Thai Phuket Festival 2025" is an essential platform for showcasing the potential of Muay Thai as a national cultural heritage, while also promoting its role as an economic engine, creating value and reputation for Thailand on the global stage.