The Amazing Muay Thai World Festival 2025 took place from February 5-6 at Ratchapakdi Park in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Organized by the Royal Thai Army in collaboration with multiple government and private sector agencies, the event aimed to celebrate and promote Muay Thai as a national heritage and a form of cultural soft power on the global stage.
The festival marked the 323rd anniversary of the accession of King Sanphet VIII (King Suea), recognized as the Father of Muay Thai. The event featured a variety of activities, including Muay Thai exhibitions, competitions, historical displays, and performances showcasing traditional techniques such as the Wai Khru dance. The festival also emphasized the historical significance of Muay Thai as a combat art that contributed to Thailand’s defense and independence over centuries.
On February 6, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Phumtham Wechayachai presided over the official opening ceremony. The event included a tribute to the monuments of seven Siamese kings, as well as performances by over 2,000 Royal Thai Army personnel. The showcase, titled “The Roots of Wisdom of Muay Thai, Glorious to the World,” illustrated the evolution of the martial art, integrating historical reenactments, military formations, and a grand fireworks display.
The festival, now in its third year, has grown in scope since its inaugural edition in 2023. This year’s program also included a marketplace for local food and handicrafts, a Muay Thai industry exhibition, and regional Muay Thai showcases from across Thailand. The event aligned with the government’s broader cultural promotion strategy, reinforcing Muay Thai’s role in Thailand’s soft power initiatives.
Officials and dignitaries, including representatives from Hua Hin Municipality, the Sports Authority of Thailand, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, attended the event. Municipal officials also coordinated local school participation, with 300 students performing the Wai Khru ritual to honor Muay Thai’s traditions.
