At a grand press conference on Sunday (Aug 10), Nueng Lan Lek led more than 300 youths in a traditional Wai Khru Muay Thai ceremony, marking the build-up to the three-day event.
The festival will run from Friday to Sunday (Aug 15-17) at Robinson Chalong (Soi Ta Eiad) and is a collaboration between the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), the SAT Sports Industry Promotion Subcommittee (Soft Power) and Phuket Province.
SAT Deputy Governor for Professional Sports and Boxing, Prodpraon Samanmit, said the initiative is designed to support the government’s soft power policy, transform Muay Thai into a creative economy driver and build Phuket’s standing as the country’s Muay Thai hub.
“This event will promote sports, create careers, grow the Muay Thai community, encourage exercise and drive tourism,” she said.
Phuket is home to hundreds of certified Muay Thai camps and is a magnet for long-stay foreign visitors. In 2024, more than 80,000 tourists came to the island specifically to train in the sport.
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat highlighted the scale of Phuket’s Muay Thai industry, noting there are now over 300 boxing camps across the island.
“Infrastructure development and safety are crucial to supporting Muay Thai’s growth in Phuket,” he said. “We plan to make this festival an annual event to strengthen Phuket’s image as a world-class Muay Thai centre and generate income for local people and businesses.”
The festival programme will feature 15 professional bouts, Muay Thai workshops for international tourists, and exhibition booths from local boxing camps. High-profile fighters, including Kong Thoranee Sor. Sommai and Superlek Kiatmuu9, will take part, alongside three days of entertainment.
Adding a playful promotional touch, organisers unveiled the festival mascot “Chartered Bear” in Muay Thai attire at the press launch.
The press conference was attended by senior SAT and provincial officials, including Thanukiat Chanchum, Paitoon Chutimakornkul, Thammawat Wongcharoenyos, Thanawut Petchara, Nattaphon Antrasen, Chalam Attham and Dr Wittaya Ketchu.
The Wai Khru performance by Nueng Lan Lek Jitmuangnon – winner of the 2023 Outstanding Male Wai Khru Muay Thai Award – and more than 300 students from Phuket Vocational College set the tone for what organisers promise will be a landmark sporting and cultural showcase for the island.