Bangkok Post : Thailand may set Muay Thai standards

RECREATION

The government is preparing to propose a set of learning standards for Muay Thai (Thai boxing) to accommodate the expansion of boxing gyms overseas.

Though Muay Thai is gaining popularity in several foreign countries, gym owners and trainers are mostly foreign, and not all of them may be clear on the basics of the Thai traditional martial art, said Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot.

Muay Thai training in some cases has been modified to the extent that the Thai aspect has been completely lost, leading a number of Muay Thai lovers to abandon the sport, he said.

Coaching and officiating rules have also been changed beyond recognition, leading several countries to label Muay Thai as brutal.

To address this issue and promote genuine Thai boxing, Mr Alongkorn said a special panel would be set up to regulate and promote the sport, as well as expand Thai boxing gyms overseas.

As part of this effort, the government would require Thai and foreign trainers to pass standardised training courses certified by the Thai government before they are allowed to open gyms.

Mr Alongkorn said the government would speed up promotion of Muay Thai boxing schools overseas to create economic value apart from exports.

"Later this month, Thai action star Tony Jaa and I will fly to the United States to promote Muay Thai," he said.