Thammawat Wongcharoenyot was speaking at an official press conference on Jan 31 chaired by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat at Provincial Hall.
Joining the press conference were Phuket Vice Governors Sattha Thongkham, Norasak Suksomboon, and Adul Chuthong, as well as Damrong Chaiyasena, Director of the Sports Authority of Thailand Phuket Office.
Mr Thammawat said that Phuket is internationally renowned for Muay Thai with 43 boxing camps currently registered with the Sports Authority of Thailand and two standard boxing stadiums, Patong Beach Boxing Stadium and Bangla Boxing Stadium.
The province is therefore perfectly placed to take advantage of the proposed move to allow students to enter on a special visa which would help boost the local economy immeasurably, Mr Thammawat added.
Pimol Srivikorn, an adviser to Mr Srettha and chairman of the government’s subcommittee for driving sports-related activities, said members decided at a meeting on Jan 12 to promote Muay Thai as one of the country’s so-called soft powers.
With a tourist visa, a foreigner can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days but with a special visa for learning Muay Thai, they could stay for 90 days, Mr Pimol said.
The government will set a standard level to be attained at the classes and also certification for Muay Thai teachers so the national fighting art can be accurately disseminated around the world, he added.
However, some have urged caution. While Kongsak Koophongsakorn, President of the Phuket Chamber of Commerce, has voiced his support for the government’s move to extend Muay Thai visas to 90 days, he warned against how the longer visas may be exploited.
Following the press conference on Jan 31, there were a series of Muay Thai demonstrations given to the public officials.