Mr Kongsak’s word of warning comes as the government moves to allow 90-day stays on ‘Muay Thai visas’.
With a tourist visa, a foreigner can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days but under the government’s push to promote ‘Soft Power’, with a special visa for learning Muay Thai, foreigners will be allowed to stay for 90 days.
The Cabinet has approved the relevant government agencies to pilot a special ‘Muay Thai’ visa, confirmed state news agency NNT.
The Muay Thai industry has welcomed the move, but also said that 90 days will not be long enough for many of the foreigners wanting to come to Thailand to learn Muay Thai.
Mr Kongsak noted the value of extending stays for Muay Thai tourists. “Muay Thai is a popular sport among Thais and foreigners alike. Many people choose to travel to Phuket in order to learn and practice Muay Thai,” he said.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the market value of sports-related tourism in 2018 was B120 billion. Muay Thai alone was estimated at more than B100bn, with an average increase of 5% annually, said a report by the Bangkok Post.
In 2019, the market value for Muay Thai rose by 10% or more than B120bn, the report added.
However, Mr Kongsak noted, “We must look at the good and bad results in this matter, especially if tourists come to secretly make a living or have a career other than learning Muay Thai. This may have an impact on the people in the area.”
“There must be real control and monitoring of tourists who come to learn Muay Thai in order not to cause problems later,” Mr Kongsak said.
Pimol Srivikorn, chairman of a government subcommittee driving sports-related activities, said the committee expects tens of thousands of foreigners to travel to Thailand each year to learn Muay Thai.
Mr Pimol has already noted that under the new visa scheme, expected to roll out in March, foreigners who come to Thailand to train in Muay Thai will be able stay for 30 days longer than those arriving under a standard 60-day tourist visa.
If visitors wanted to extend their stay to a year, they must be of a proven standard and already under contract to fight professionally on the domestic circuit.
EXPORTING MUAY THAI
Mr Pimol, who is also an adviser to the prime minister, added that Muay Thai gyms that want to register to train foreign students must ensure their equipment is of a suitably high standard.
The committee has asked Burapha University in Chon Buri province to work with Muay Thai trainers to set new standards and regulations for Muay Thai training courses from basic to advanced levels.
"We need a strategy to drive and support Muay Thai. We also want to promote the export of Muay Thai trainers to help other Muay Thai gyms in foreign countries," Mr Pimol said.
According to him, more than 5,000 Muay Thai gyms exist in the United Kingdom. These gyms require Muay Thai trainers, and the pay is better for instructors who are Thai nationals, he said.
To boost the opportunities for Muay Thai coaches to work abroad, the committee has joined hands with the Labour Ministry’s Skill Development Department to launch a course for Thai trainers. After completing it, they will be given a certificate guaranteeing their suitability to work abroad in China, the Middle East and countries in Europe.
The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) plans to establish a Muay Thai testing centre, with the government to coordinate with foreign countries needing experienced coaches.
Increasing the value of business operators and supporting the issuing of licences for operating Muay Thai gyms are also necessary, Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanich said
"The government will help support the individuals, seek funds and manage marketing to elevate Thai soft power," Mr Sermsak said.