His Excellency Abhisit Vejjajivathe Prime Minister of Thailand, assigned the Deputy Prime Minister, Major General Sanan Kajornprasart, to welcome the delegation of the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur, and the National Thai Association in Parliament House. The delegation was led by General Chetta Thanajaro, the Honorary President of the Olympic Committee of Thailand, and President of the WMC. IFMA was represented by the President Dr Sakchye Tapsuwan, and the General Secretary Mr. Stephan Fox.
The Deputy Prime Minister first thanked SportAccord and the City of Beijing on this historical martial art event, and as a Thai he feels proud that muaythai is one of the 13 world recognised martial arts and combat sports. He also thanked the international federation for all their hard work in taking muaythai to the highest level.
The Deputy Prime Minister congratulated the qualifying Thai National team, wishing them luck, and to make the Kingdom proud by showcasing the values and ethics of muaythai both in and out of the competition. He also congratulated the muaythai Ambassador Ms Gavintra Photijak, who will show the world the grace and beauty of muaythai and of the Kingdom of Thailand. He wished all other participating countries in muaythai the best of success, and showed a special interest in the beautiful uniforms which incorporate the theme and colours of the SportAccord Combat Games.
General Kajornprasart especially thanked again SportAccord for all the cultural activities during the event, and was particularly pleased to hear of the planned Cultural Forum, Cultural Square etc. He was very pleased with the activity of the Cultural Night for invited embassies, SportAccord and many dignitaries which will be jointly hosted by the Royal Thai government and IFMA.
