Recommend October 2011 - (Page 57)

of Muay thai The vast majority of fighters train full-time for around 30 hours a week and many start off in the sport as young as 6 years old. But Muay Thai has also become one of the most popular fighting sports in the world with fighters coming to Thailand from all corners of the globe to train, and as a result, it’s no longer uncommon for Muay Thai fights in Bangkok or the countryside to feature foreign fighters on the bill. The problem with this, at least from a cultural standpoint, is the fact that it’s difficult to find suitable opponents for foreigners, particularly those who are over 165 pounds, which is about the maximum a reasonably fit Thai man is likely to weigh. As a result, while the sight of a skilled Thai fighter giving a Western opponent with a 45-pound weight advantage the run-around inside the ring can be entertaining to tourists in areas such as Phuket or Koh Samui, the fact is those bouts are really more “tourist shows” than legitimate Muay Thai bouts. Accordingly, to protect the cultural integrity and at the same time recognizing the international appeal of the sport and the art form of Muay Thai, Sombat Kuruphan, deputy governor of the Thailand Ministry of Tourism and Sports, recently announced that the associated agencies of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports have agreed they will organize and set up proper standards for Muay Thai to not only build up Thailand’s economy in the sport and tourism sectors, but also to prepare and ensure the sport join the global market. To meet the goal, the ministry announced that the Muak Lek National Sport Center in Saraburi province will be developed to be the official Muay Thai-tourism training centers to fit in with the “Sports Tourism” concept. And, because of the fact that the martial art of Muay Thai has become so widely practiced, with numerous, so-called Muay Thai institutes and training camps springing up all over the world, the Thai tourism ministry is creating a Muay Thai tour package to the Muaythai Center that will include Muay Thai lessons combined with a tour of nearby attractions for tourists. As for the Muay Thai lessons, the C-License standard will be used and the Muak Lek National Sport Center will offer Muay Thai information such as the sport’s history, techniques and tactics. The Muak Lek National Sport Center was chosen to be the median center because of its reputation and standards. The center will include many facilities such as the reception area for customers, an office building, directorate center, nutrition center and a sports research center that is certified by ISO. In the future, Muak Lek National Sport Center will construct an academic Muay Thai training center that will welcome outsiders, including foreigners. The trainees will also receive a certificate that is legally endorsed by the Thai government. As for Muay Thai centers in overseas countries, the “Muay Thai Select” trademark will be the certified standard set by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports that will be given to Muay Thai institutes or camps which meet the required standards of quality. There are three types of Muay Thai camps or institutes—largesized, medium and small—with the objective of utilizing the “Muay Thai Select” trademark to set that official standard on those three types of Muay Thai camps and institutes outside of Thailand. It is hoped this will motivate Muay Thai instructors and trainers abroad to teach Muay Thai properly and ensure the integrity of that so that it accurately reflects the art form that is a unique aspect of the culture of Thailand. Both Muay Thai and Thailand cultural enthusiasts should also look foward to the annual World Thai Martial Arts Festival. The former capital of Ayutthaya and the home to ancient Thai kings and temples, is also home to the annual World Thai Martial Arts Festival and Wai Khru Muay Thai Ceremony. Muay Thai boxers from around the world return to Ayutthaya to pay respect to their teachers, and to pay homage to the legendary Muay Thai folk hero, Nai Khanom Tom. A highlights is the opening ceremony, with a mesmerizing light and sound presentation of, “The Legend of Nai Khanom Tom–Tribute to a Muay Thai Folk Hero,” along with other traditional Thai folk sports, such as cock-fighting, and Muay Tap Jaak demonstrations and exhibitions. This event is usually held in March. ❖ T21

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend October 2011

Editor's Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk: Coworth Park, London
Tour Talk: Cox & Kings
Paws Up Ups "Glamping" to New Heights
"Alpine" Adventure at Four Seasons Resort Vail
Hotel Beaux Arts Miami
Out & About in New York City
Adventures on Hayman Island
It's the Good Life at The Leela Kovalam Beach
Peninsula Shanghai & Hong Kong
Silversea's Silver Spirit
Thailand Travel Planner
Luxury in the Wilderness, by Best of Patagonia
Savoring St. Vincent & the Grenadines
CuisinArt Resort & Spa, Anguilla
Luxurious Egypt
A Good Turn for Bern, Switzerland
Mexico's Luxury Trail

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