Protecting the traditions of Muay Thai at the 10th World Wai Kru Ceremony

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Professional Boxing Association of Thailand are preparing to stage the 10^th Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony to showcase some of the sacred rituals of Thai boxing – a martial art that has kicked itself into the world’s spotlight over the years and gained fans the world over.

This year, the event will take place on Monday, 17 March, 2014, at Wat Mahathat in the Ayutthaya Historical Park in the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, about an hour’s drive north of Bangkok.

The objective of this event is to help people to understand the meaning of the Wai Kruceremony which is an important element of Thai boxing. The Wai Kru ceremony is a sacred ritual in which fighters show their respect to the Muay Thai masters.

Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik, Governor of TAT said, “As the home country of Muay Thai, it is our responsibility to protect and promote Thai boxing. Muay Thai is now popular all over the world with competitions held in many countries, but we want to ensure that all the traditions of this art are respected.”

On 17 March, 2014, the event will start early in the morning when a ceremony will be held to pay respects to the Nai Kanomtom statue at the provincial sports stadium. Nai Kanomtom was the most famous Muay Thai warrior of the Ayutthaya period and is greatly respected by Thai boxers to this day. In the afternoon, the Amazing Thai Boxing Tournament will take place at Wat Langkhakhao (opposite Wat Mahathat).

The Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony will take place at 18:00 hrs. and everyone is invited to see this artistic and often heart-warming display, as fighters show their dedication to their trainers and the ancient masters of the Muay Thai art.

This sacred ritual is part of the festivities for Nai Khanomtom Day, which will be held from 13-16 March, 2014, at the Ayutthaya Sports Stadium.

Throughout the three days, visitors will be able to see other forms of Thai martial arts including an ancient Thai boxing competition. There is also an exhibition to teach people about Thai boxing as well as other arts; such as, Thai tattooing and weapon making – visitors can even learn how the famous Aranyik swords are forged.

In addition, there will be presentations from various Muay Thai camps and gyms, which offer everyone the chance to learn a little of the ancient art for themselves. Last but not least, there will be Thai cooking shows and plenty of Thai food stalls.