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Every year on the 17th of March, the muaythai world celebrates the birthday of the legend “Nai Knom Tom” in celebration of Wai Kru day in the ancient city of Ayuddhaya. This year’s celebration attracted more than 1400 muaythai enthusiasts from masters to students. The City of Ayuddhaya in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Ministry for Tourism and Sport organized the Nai Kanom Tom day festivities and parade.

The festivities were hosted by Mr Sujin Chaichumsak, Governor of Ayuddhaya province and Ms. Somsong Pancharoenworakul, President of the Ayuddhaya Provincial Administration. A special thank you was given to the World Muaythai Council and International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA) for the recognition for muaythai granted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The IFMA President Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan led the parade seated on an elephant, and it was a special moment for the muaythai family. Ms. Somsong then presented a special token to the IFMA President and General Secretary and Vice President of the Amateur Muaythai Association of Thailand for their efforts towards protecting and promoting the art and sport of muaythai. In support of IFMA’s partnership with UNESCO, Caroline Tressise Baxter, Consultant for Social and Human Sciences in Asia and the Pacific from the UNESCO Bangkok Office also joined IFMA to celebrate this momentous occasion.