Osaka: A significant sports tourism promotion event, part of the "Sports Tourism Muaythai Masterclass 2026" project, unfolded at Max Futsal Osaka, Japan, from June 1-2. This initiative was organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Sports Authority of Thailand, the Boxing Commission of Thailand, and the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Osaka, in collaboration with the International Muay Thai Association (IFMA). It featured Thai boxers, Muay Thai instructors, and traditional Muay Thai performers. The event was a highlight of Thailand's participation in the "Thai Festival Osaka Kansai 2026" at Nagai Park, which also showcased Thai cuisine, cultural performances, live music, and Muay Thai demonstrations.
According to Thai News Agency, the Sports Tourism Muaythai Masterclass was spearheaded by notable figures such as Lt. Gen. M.C. Navaphan Yukol, Chairman of the Advisory Board of IFMA, along with M.L. Anuphorn Kasemsant, Mrs. Prodpran Samanmit, Deputy Governor for Professional Sports and Boxing at the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), Mr. Nattapol Antrasen, Director of the Boxing Committee Office, SAT, Stefan Fox, Secretary General of IFMA and President of the World Combat Council, and President of United Through Sports.
The Muay Thai instructors were led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anan Mekhasawan, Mr. Suphan Chabairam, Mr. Warin Chancham, Mr. Nawapol Chanmanee, and Mr. Katika Piyawong. Renowned Muay Thai fighters Captain Sombat Banchamek, known as Buakaw Banchamek, Sudsakorn Sor. Klinmee, and Chantakan Manobal, also known as Phaya Hong Banchamek, attended as "Muay Thai Ambassadors" for the 2026 Sports Tourism promotion activities.
The opening ceremony at Max Futsal Osaka witnessed a lively atmosphere as numerous Japanese participants registered to learn Muay Thai techniques. They attended a Muay Thai Master Workshop conducted by five Muay Thai instructors and practiced special techniques with fighters Buakaw Banchamek, Sudsakorn Sor. Klinmee, and Phayahong Banchamek. Training encompassed various aspects such as stance and punches, kicks, knees, and elbows, culminating in the traditional Muay Thai Wai Kru (respectful greeting).
Additionally, the event included exhibitions and information sessions on Muay Thai products, characteristics, and related goods and services for business matching. This initiative aimed to provide entrepreneurs with opportunities to expand their markets and present information to attract Japanese tourists interested in Muay Thai, encouraging them to return to Japan for training or establish a "Muay Thai Masterland," aligning with the government's global Muay Thai promotion policy.
Ms. Proadpran Samanmit, Deputy Governor for Professional Sports and Boxing at SAT, revealed that SAT collaborated with various sectors, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to create economic value and promote Thai boxing culture worldwide. This year, the focus is on Asia, particularly China and Japan, as major markets for Thai boxing. Recent initiatives in Shanghai and Osaka highlight the global recognition of Thai boxing as a martial art, moving beyond mere competition.
"The lifestyle of celebrities and influencers practicing Muay Thai can serve as a topic and content, showcasing the effects of Muay Thai on the body. This trend is gaining worldwide acceptance. In Japan, if they like something, they embrace it wholeheartedly. We hope that promoting Muay Thai in Osaka will attract tourists and Muay Thai influencers to Thailand and bring people globally to Thailand," Ms. Proadpran concluded.