17th World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony in Ayutthaya on 16-17 March 2025

Bangkok, 11 March 2025 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, invites travellers to experience the 17th World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony on 16-17 March 2025 at Ayutthaya Historical Park.

Under the theme “Once in a Lifetime: Experience the Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony in Thailand”, this internationally recognised event celebrates the deep-rooted traditions of Muay Thai while reinforcing its global appeal.

Hosted at Wat Mahathat and Wat Langkha Khao, the ceremony is a key feature of Thailand Summer Festivals 2025, part of the Grand Festivity component of the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” campaign. This initiative highlights Muay Thai’s Soft Power influence, attracting martial artists, enthusiasts, and travellers from around the world.

Organised in collaboration with Ayutthaya province, the Association Institute of Thai Martial Arts, the World Muay Thai Federation, and the Muaythai and Muayboran Sports Association, the event fosters cultural appreciation and global recognition of Muay Thai’s heritage.

Visitors will experience sacred rituals and dynamic cultural activities celebrating Thailand’s martial arts legacy throughout the two-day event.

Cultural and Martial Arts Showcases (16-17 March, 15:00-21:00 Hrs., Wat Langkha Khao)

The event features live demonstrations of four traditional Muay Thai Boran styles: Muay Chaiya (Southern Thailand) focuses on defensive counterattacks, Muay Korat (Northeast) is known for its powerful strikes, Muay Tha Sao (North) emphasises speed and agility, and Muay Lop Buri (Central) is recognised for its deceptive movements.

Visitors can explore traditional Thai handicrafts, including Sak Yant (sacred tattooing for protection and strength), Yantra Drawing (intricate sacred symbols), and Sword Forging (Thailand’s historic blacksmithing skills).

The Muay Thai Academy Showcase offers interactive training sessions with expert fighters, while the Exhibition on the 19 Levels of Mongkhon in Muay Thai traces a fighter’s progression from novice to master.

Additional attractions include cultural and contemporary performances, an Ancient Thai Market with local food and crafts, and live Muay Thai fights featuring professional and amateur bouts.

Grand Wai Kru Ceremony (17 March, 17:00-21:00 Hrs., Wat Mahathat)

Thousands of Muay Thai practitioners from Thailand and abroad will unite for the Wai Kru ritual, a time-honoured tradition of paying homage to their masters.

Leading the ceremony are Prajanchai P.K. Saenchai Muay Thai Gym (current Muay Thai Strawweight World Champion), Ferrari Fairtex (2021 Muay Thai Fighter of the Year), Yodkaikaew “Y2K” Fairtex (a fighter with over 100 professional bouts), and Saemapetch Fairtex (MTGP Welterweight Champion and ONE Super Series athlete).

The event will conclude with a fighter’s banquet, celebrating the ceremony’s success and providing networking opportunities for Muay Thai practitioners and enthusiasts worldwide.

The 17th World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony is a must-attend event for Muay Thai practitioners, cultural enthusiasts, and travellers. Witness and participate in one of Thailand’s most sacred martial arts traditions against the stunning backdrop of Ayutthaya’s historic ruins.

Mrs. Chiravadee Khunsub, TAT Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, stated: “This annual World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony not only reinforces Muay Thai’s significance but also serves as a driver for Experience-Based Tourism, inspiring travellers while boosting the economy through extended stays and higher visitor spending. We expect this year’s event to attract 5,300 attendees, including 1,800 international visitors, generating 158 million Baht in economic impact.”

Ayutthaya’s Vice Governor, Praphan Tribubpha, emphasised the significance of hosting the event in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stating: “Ayutthaya is a cultural treasure, drawing travellers who seek an authentic experience of Thai history and traditions. The province is fully prepared to welcome over 800 international fighters and thousands of visitors. Security measures have been coordinated with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all attendees. By hosting this ceremony, we aim to showcase Ayutthaya’s Soft Power assets, particularly Muay Thai, while boosting tourism and the local economy.”

For more information, contact 1672 Travel Buddy or visit www.tourismthailand.org | www.thailandfestival.org or follow World Wai Kru Muay Thai on Facebook.

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