THIMPHU, BHUTAN – 27 April 2025 – In a historic moment for both sport and diplomacy, the Kingdom of Bhutan has officially announced the formation of its first national Muaythai Federation. The unveiling coincided with the state visit of Their Majesties King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana of Thailand to Bhutan. The state visit featured vibrant Muaythai demonstrations alongside traditional Bhutanese and Thai cultural performances—highlighting the sport’s dual heritage as both a treasured martial art and a modern Olympic discipline.

His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, President of the Bhutan Olympic Committee and Member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), pictured at the Kaja Throm welcome ceremony alongside His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand and Her Majesty the Queen. The establishment of the Bhutanese Muaythai Federartion marked a significant moment of cultural and sporting unity between the two Kingdoms.

The Bhutan Muaythai Federation has been established under the auspices of the Bhutan Olympic Committee, led by His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck—IOC Member, Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia, and President of the Bhutan National Olympic Committee—in close collaboration with the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA), the sport’s IOC- and Olympic Council of Asia–recognised global governing body.

Over the past two years, His Royal Highness has worked closely with IFMA, including participation in a Muaythai workshop in Thailand hosted by AMTAT and PAT. Among the distinguished participants was His Serene Highness Prince Nawaphansa Yugala, a renowned advocate for the international development of Muaythai.

“Bhutan’s membership marks a proud moment for the global Muaythai family,” said Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan, President of IFMA. “We fully support the launch of the Bhutan Muaythai Federation and look forward to seeing Bhutanese youth athletes take part in the upcoming International Games.”

During an audience with the IFMA Secretary General Mr. Stephan Fox, His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck shared Bhutan’s strategic vision for the sport, commended Muaythai’s full IOC recognition, and expressed appreciation for Mr. Stephan Fox’s dedication to advancing Muaythai on the Olympic stage. He also extended congratulations on Muaythai’s inclusion in the Asian Youth Games (Bahrain 2025), the Islamic Solidarity Games (Riyadh 2025), and its continued presence across IOC-sanctioned events, including The World Games.

His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck with IFMA Secretary General Mr Stephan Fox at the 144th IOC Session in in Costa Navarino, Pylos, Greece last month.

As Bhutan becomes the 157th member of the IFMA family, this milestone signals a new era of cultural exchange and unity between Bhutan and Thailand, and reaffirms Muaythai’s global mission to promote discipline, respect, and tradition.