Ayutthaya hosts Muay Thai extravaganza

BANGKOK Eight hundred Muay Thai fighters from 60 countries have registered to attend the 11th Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony, 17 March, in Ayutthaya.
The ceremony is part of the Nai Khanomtom Day, which will be held, 15 to 20 March, at Wat Chula Mani, Wat Maha That and Wat Langkhakhao in the Ayutthaya Historical Park as well as at the Ayutthaya Provincial Sports Stadium, 70 km north of Bangkok.
The 11th Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony will showcase some of the 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 objective of this event is also to help people to understand the meaning of the Wai Kru ceremony, which is an important element of Thai boxing.
inside no 10Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Thawatchai Arunyik said: “Thailand is the home country of Muay Thai, and the Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony and Nai Khanomtom Day form part of the many cultural assets that make Thailand a very unique destination. The event also corresponds with TAT’s 2015 Discover Thainess campaign, which highlights a range of tourism activities that allow tourists to immerse themselves in the Thai way of life, Thai culture and Thai experiences; such as, Thai boxing, Thai cooking and Thai dance.”
Prior to the ceremony, there will be presentations from various Muay Thai camps and gyms. Visitors will also get the chance to observe craftsmanship demonstrations, Yantra tattooing and writings, Aranyik sword-making and Thai martial art performances.
In the afternoon of the same day, the Amazing Mauy Thai Tournament will take place at Wat Langkhakhao (opposite Wat Maha That). Highlights include a special match between Buakaw Banchamek, a famous Thai welterweight Muay Thai kickboxer, against two Muay Thai fighters – Kaolan Kaovichit and Yodsingdaeng Jor Chaijinda.
On 15 to 16 March, there will be a Nai Khanomtom Super Mini Marathon in honour of Nai Khanomtom, who was the most famous Muay Thai fighter of the Ayutthaya period and respected by Thai boxers to this day.
Muay Thai classes, exhibitions highlighting the history of Muay Thai and Nai Khanomtom, and a Muay Thai tournament will convene 18 to 20 March.

sourced:ttrweekly.com