TAT endorses officially Wai Kru ceremony in traditional Thai boxing show

BANGKOK- “ We see an increasing number of people interesting and practicing traditional Thai Boxing –Muay Thai. And as such, there is a real market that we can target. Especially as Muay Thai is a perfect blend of culture, sport and tradition”. The comment comes from Kittipong Prapattong, director of Secretariat to TAT Governor Thawatchai Arunyik.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Professional Boxing Association of Thailand are in full preparation to welcome the 10th Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony to showcase some of the sacred rituals of Thai boxing – a martial art that has kicked itself into the world’s spotlight over the years and gained fans the world over. The event will take place on Monday, 17 March, 2014, at Wat Mahathat in the Ayutthaya Historical Park in the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, an hour drive north of Bangkok. The city is also very easy to access from Don Muang international airport.

They will be some 600 participants from 66 countries coming to the ceremony. Some of the most famous Muay Thai champions –including Buakaw, currently the most famous Muay Thai boxer- will be there for the 17-March ceremony. “We expect a couple of thousand of participants and a high number of foreigners”, adds Mr. Prapattong.

The objective of this event is to help people to understand the meaning of the Wai Kru ceremony which is an important element of Thai boxing. The Wai Kru ceremony is a sacred ritual in which fighters show their respect to the Muay Thai masters.

Thawatchai Arunyik, Governor of TAT explained : “As the home country of Muay Thai, it is our responsibility to protect and promote Thai boxing. Muay Thai is now popular all over the world with competitions held in many countries, but we want to ensure that all the traditions of this art are respected.”

The event starts early in the morning as a ceremony pays first respect to the spirit of Nai Kanomtom, recognized as the most famous Muay Thai warrior of the Ayutthaya period. It is greatly respected by Thai boxers to this day. After participants show respect to Nai Kanomtom and also grand masters of Muay Thai, they all performed wai kru in front of Muay Thai masters.
Tourists in Bangkok also interested to see Muay Thai operformances can go to two stadiums in town. Since January of this year, Asiatique the Riverfronf is proposing a spectacular show “Muay Thai Live-The Legend Lives” from Thailand’s most renowned contemporary film director Ekachai Uekrongtham.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews