For over six months now, the National Culture Ministry, the World Muaythai Council (WMC), the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA), the Amateurs Muaythai Association of Thailand (AMTAT), and many other dignities within the world of muaythai, have been working closely together to establish the World’s Muaythai Day.
The 2nd of May 2011 will remain as a historical day for Thailand and all 128 member countries of WMC and IFMA, as the Ministry of Culture’s proposal to declare February 6th of each year Muaythai Day has finally been approved by the Cabinet of the Royal Thai Government.
The day is intended to honour King Somdej Phra Sanpher the 8th, better known as Phra Chao Sua, of the Ayutthaya period. He is renowned in Thailand for his expertise in Thai martial skills. Phra Chao Sua rose to the throne on February 6th, 1702.
The Thai Ministry of Culture, Nipit Intarasombat, said in an interview that his proposal was supported by the Tourism and Sports Ministry, the Foreign Ministry, the Fine Arts Department, the Royal Institute, WMC, IFMA and AMTAT.
The President of the WMC, under directive of the Royal Thai Government and established by parliament resolution in 1995, General Chetta Thanajaro, stated that this is a proud day for all Thais and certainly for all muaythai friends from all around the world.
Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan, President of the Amateur Muaythai Association of Thailand, the sole national Muaythai federation, under Royal Patronage, stated that next year it will be the inauguration as it is perfectly in line with the concept of Muaythai trying to become IOC recognized.