Mr Watchara’s call for help in resolving Soi-Ta-iad’s traffic woes came at a meeting to support the government’s scheme to grant four tourists 90-day stays under a special ‘Muay Thai visa’ in order to learn and practice Muay Thai in Thailand.
“As a boxing camp operator, I am pleased that the government supports the issue of special visas for tourists to practice Muay Thai for 90 days, which will bring in more tourists and those interested in traveling to practice boxing in Phuket,” Mr Watchara said.
“It will stimulate the economy. In this regard, the guidelines for boxing in most provinces consider it as a practice for health,” he added.
“However, there are a large number of boxing camps in Phuket, both legally registered and unregistered. Therefore, we would like government agencies to come and support us,” he noted.
“Moreover, in the area of Soi Ta-iad, there are many boxing training facilities and fitness camps. But there is still the problem of traffic congestion due to the narrow road. Therefore, if the province helps support In this matter, it would be a very good thing,” Mr Watchara said.
At the meeting, held at Phuket Provincial Hall last week, Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat explained that authorities were ramping up their efforts to promote Muay Thai as a ‘Soft Power’ in the hope of attracting more tourists interested in coming to practice the sport in Phuket.
Thammawat Wongcharoenyot, President of the Sports Association of Phuket, praised the move to introduce a special 90-visa for Muay Thai tourists.
“It is a good policy. There are 43 boxing camps in Phuket, including Tiger Muay Thai, Rawai Jersey Boxing Camp, Kru O Muay Thai, Singpatong Dragon Muay Thai, Kangaroo Muay Thai, Ratchai Muay Thai, Phuket Fight Club, Chang Thai Gym, Sinbee Muay Thai and Eagle Muay Thai, as well as venues such as Patong Beach Boxing Stadium, Kamala Muay Thai, Bangla Revolution Boxing Stadium, Phuket Muay Thai, and so on,” he said.
“In total the camps have about 2,500 boxers training each day. The income generated by the boxing camps averages B500,000 per day. Boxing stadium management groups report an average income of B350,000 per match,” he added.