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world Muay Thai Day – February 6th

Known as world Muay Thai Day, this day celebrates ‘The Tiger King’, King Sanphet VIII otherwise known as Phra Chao Sua’s coronation day. He was also a Muay Thai fighter and promoted the martial art among his soldiers, primarily as a form of keeping them fit. The day was officially declared in 2011 by Thailand’s Office of National Cultural Commission and is backed by the International Federation of Muay Thai Amateur (IFMA).

world Muay Thai Day – February 6th

Since 2013 While March 17th celebrates the legendary fighter Nai Khanom Tom, February 6th holds its own unique significance. Officially declared as World Muay Thai Day, this date honors King Sanphet VIII, also known as Phra Chao Sua or the “Tiger King,” marking his coronation day back in 1702. The importance of this day is magnified by the involvement of the Royal Thai government, which organizes a grand festival with the National Culture Commission at the Ministry of Culture.

During the festival for National Muay Thai Day, the celebration kicks off with a special ceremony to pay homage to the late Tiger King. This is followed by a dazzling array of Wai Kru demonstrations featuring all different styles of Muay Boran: Muay Lopburi, Muay Chaiya, Muay Korat, and others.

The Tiger King

‘The Tiger King‘ AKA King Sanphet VIII of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, also known by his title Phra Chao Suea. He reigned during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, with his coronation day marked as February 6, 1702. The king was a unique monarch in that he was not only a ruler but also a skilled Muay Thai practitioner who would disguise himself as a commoner to compete in location competitions held at Temples across the country.

In an era where martial arts were primarily seen as a means of self-defense or military training, King Sanphet VIII stood out as a royal patron of Muay Thai. He encouraged the practice of this ancient martial art not just among soldiers but also within the general population. His reign was noted for being a period of peace, and during this time, Muay Thai evolved into a sport and national pastime, with competitions held throughout villages across the country.

He is not just a ruler but a symbol of Muay Thai’s historical and cultural importance in Thailand. His patronage helped transform Muay Thai into more than just a martial art—it became a part of Thailand’s national identity, hence why World Muay Thai Day is held in such high regard.

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6th Feb 2020

6th Feb 2019

Over 2000 of the highest ranked muaythai Grand Masters (Ajarn and Kru) came together this morning for the Wai Kru Ceremony on the main day of the Muaythai Day festivities held at the Sport Authority of Thailand. Many guests from around the world, ambassadors and the IFMA Executive Board in traditional Thai dress came together for the ceremony presided by General Kasem Yoosuk, representative of the the Royal Household.

The “Wan Muaythai” week under the auspicious World Muaythai Council, the Amateur Muaythai Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage and the world body the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur has been a truly memorable event for the visitors from over 80 countries. The event started with a monk ceremony, blessing ceremony and then the official wai kru ceremony led by H.E. General Kasem Yoosuk, where the 20 highest Ajarn (Grand Masters) received commemorative Head Dress called the Mongkon, a sacred head band in the tradition of muaythai. Additionally, a special token was presented to the Vice Chair of CP All Co. Ltd., the event’s main sponsor and Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan, President of IFMA.

Then, the IFMA Executive Board was given the special honour of receiving the blessed mongkon by H.E. General Kasem Yoosuk. Thailand is truly proud of muaythai’s IOC recognition under IFMA.

6th Feb 2017

The 6th of February is officially called muaythai Day in Thailand, held in honour of the historic King Sanphet VIII (also known as “Phra Chao Suea” the “Tiger King”), to mark his coronation day in 1702.

The WMC and IFMA joined forces together with the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, the Ministry of Culture and the Sports Authority of Thailand to celebrate this important day in the muaythai calendar.

The event opened with a tribute by the IFMA President and WMC General Secretary Doctor Sakchye Taspuwan to honour his late Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.and welcome the world muaythai Executive Board members which gathered in Bangkok for a three-day meeting.

The card contained 3 Super 4 male fights in the following weigh categories, 71kg, 63.5kg and 57kg as well as a 57kg female fight alongside the undercard.

The athletes put on an amazing show to the crowds delight creating an electric atmosphere around the stadium.

There was also a special fight for the youth to promote the future of the sport and the upcoming Youth World Championship where both little athletes got a standing ovation from the crowd.

The fights showed everyone that the sport is safe as Muhammed Azrizal Azizul took the win against the young fighter from the motherland of the sport.

Also the 54kg female fight between Scotland and Thailand again highlighted the universality of the sport with Scotland silencing the crowd and winning the respect of everyone by taking the win over Wondergirl.

The first fight in the 57kg Super 4 saw multiple IFMA champion Khalilov Tagir (Russia) take on Thailand’s own Awutlek M. Burapha which saw both fighters display the full arsenal of techniques in a muaythai masterclass with Khalilov securing the win and going through to the second stage.

The second fight in the 57kg division saw Uzbekistan’s Mamatov Joloxon face Mohd Ali Bin Yaakub from Malaysia. Mohd Ali’s technical knowledge proved too much for Mamatov who didn’t make it to the next round.

Next, the first fight in the 63.5kg saw Thailand’s Yokwittaya Phetseemauen go head to head with Charles Opoku from England with Yokwittaya taking the win.

The second fight in the 63.5g saw Mohammed Bin Mahmoud from Malaysia against Firdavs Boynazarov from Uzbekistan. Mohammed Bin fought a great fight but was no match for the fast hands of Firdavs who went through to the next round.

The first fight in the 71kg category saw Yurik Davtyan from Armenia face Thailand’s Dieselek Petsiryim in one of the most exciting fights of the evening. In the end, the iron fists of Yurik were no match for the super slick Dieselek who managed to evade his powerful blows and go through to the next round.

The second fight in the 71kg saw Jarred Rothwell from South Africa go up against Ruslan Ataev from Russia. Although Jarred had the height advantage here Ruslan pursued with his strength heading straight for the final.

Her Excellency the Minister of Tourism and Sports opened the second part of the event with an attribute to the new King Rama 10 before setting up the final 3 matches.

Following the break saw Saskia D Effremo from Germany meet Hongmorakod Liangprasirt from Thailand in what was a very close match with the Thai athlete securing the win.

The final of the 57kg Super 4 took place between Khalilov Tagir from Russia and Mohd Ali Bin Yaakub which was deemed the fight of the evening. Both athletes showed incredible heart with Malaysia being victorious, showing that Malaysia is in full preparation for the upcoming SEA games in which Muaythai day is included under the IFMA umbrella.

The 63.5kg final saw Yokwittiya Phetseemauen from Thailand and Firdavs Boynazarov from Uzbekistan battle it out for the number one place. After a great first round from Firdavs, Yokwittiya took it up a few levels showing his wealth of experience and becoming champion.

The final fight of the evening and the final in the 71kg saw Ruslan Ataev from Russia and Thailand’s Dieselek go to war in an epic finish to the evening. Despite having a tough fight with Yurik previously, Dieslek continued to power throughout outscoring the Russian and becoming victorious.

6th Feb 2016
The Royal Thai Government, as every year, organised a special event for Muaythai Day celebrated in 130 countries as it is the official birth date of muaythai. The event is an important one and many activities took place in the government compound. Activities included a conference with over a thousand people attended, various WMC and IFMA meetings and a joint meeting between IFMA and the Minister of Tourism and Sport, H.E. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul. The day ended with a spectacular Muaythai Day Gala event in the evening. It was a fantastic showdown with many VIPs, embassies and full house for all three Super 4 event.

Starting with 57 Kg division, Given Mardani from Iran beat Matoaki Takahachi from Japan in the first fight to book his place in the final. Then continue with Saen Pinsinchai from Thailand against Carmelo Ragona from Italy where Saen Pinsinchai booked his place in the final for 57 Kg.

Second weight division at 63.5 Kg saw Sravudt Lukbanyai from Thailand against Renan Olivira from Brazil where Sravudt was able to book his place in the final. Second fight was Ngian Trang Dui Nat from Vietnam against Michael Garrafo from Italy where the Vietnamese champion hand was raised and continued to the final.

The third weight division at 72 Kg, first fight saw Anantadet Petsupaphan against Nata William Gomez da Silva from Brazil where the Thai champion took the win. Second fight saw Alan Silvester from Canada against Nicholas George James from the United Kingdom. The British showed some great techniques and was able to pass to the final.

The 3 final fights were fantastic showdown. The final round for 57 Kg, Iran showed again how they are held as one of the leading countries in Asia for muaythai where Given Mardani went against Saen Pinsinchai from Thailand and in the end the Thai champion won.

The second final round for 63.5 Kg between Ngian Trang Dui Nat from Vietnam and Sravudt from Thailand.This fight truly had the crowd on their feet. A fantastic display of 2 world class athlete and the close decision went to Thailand but both fighters got a standing ovation including H..E. the Minister who was there to enjoy the event.

6th feb 2015
With over 60 countries joining in the celebration with events ranging from Krob Khru ceremonies, social responsibility events and so on, with the main event held in Thailand at the department of culture. The Minister of the Culture Ministry of Thailand, HE Mr Vira Rojpojchanarat, WMC President, General Chetta Thanajaro, and IFMA President, Dr Sakchye Tapsuwan presided over the ceremony. The international community was represented by IFMA General Secretary Mr Stephan Fox, Vice President of FAMA ,Dato’ Shahnaz Azmi of Malaysia, and the Vice President of the European Muaythai Federation, Mr Detlef Turnau.

It was a celebration for Muaythai in general with all the different masters coming together representing all the different styles of Muaythai: Muay Korat, Muay Lopburi, Muay Chaiya, Muay Thasao, and Muay Palasuksa. A special Wai Khru ceremony took place and the Mae Mai Muaythai techniques were demonstrated as well.

6^th Feb 2013 marked the historical inauguration of celebrations worldwide, and also by the Royal Thai government with a festival jointly organised by the Royal Thai Government and National Culture Commission at the Ministry of Culture.

Deputy Minister for Culture Adisak Benjasiriwan presided over the proceedings together with the President of the AMTAT and the IFMA Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan. Representing the international muaythai community was the General Secretary of IFMA, Stephan Fox. Many other international muaythai community representatives travelled to Thailand to be part of the celebrations some of whom included the General Secretary of the Federation of Amateur Muaythai of Asia (FAMA) Mervyn Tan, the Vice President of the European Muaythai Federation (EMF) Detlef Turnau and many others.

The festivities kicked off with a special ceremony to pay homage to the late Tiger King, which was followed with a succession of beautiful wai kru demonstrations in all of the 6 different styles – Muay Lopburi, Muay Chaiya, Muay Tah Sao, Muay Pak Klang, Muay Korad and Muay Palasueksa. The audience was then entertained with a special performance by Thai and international superstars such as the WMC world champion Yodsanklai, Saiyok Pumpanmuang (recent winner of HM the King’s Royal Trophy) both of whom will all be participating at the upcoming Thai Fight which will be organised in cooperation with the Thailand National Culture Commission and IFMA to promote the Muaythai Towards Highest Sport Recognition campaign.

It was a glorious day for Muaythai!!

6th feb 2012
From today onwards, 6th February will be the official annual Muaythai Day, both in Thailand and worldwide.

After many months of preparation between the Thai Government, National Culture Commission, The World Muaythai Council (under directive of the Royal Thai Government) Amateur Muaythai Association Thailand (under Royal Patronage) and International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (recognised by SportAccord); the inauguration ceremony was held today.

The day honored Pra Chao Sun Petch IIX (Tiger King) and every year, Feb 6th will be a worldwide celebration.

The event was chaired by Sukumon Kunpluem, the Minister for Culture, and Co-Chaired by General Chetta Thanajaro, the President of the WMC.
Dr Sakchye Tapsuwan represented the Amateur MTAT and IFMA, and Stephan Fox, WMC VP and IFMA General Secretary, was invited to represent the international muaythai community. All Thai masters were present for the Krob Khru Ceremony, where the students paid homage to their teachers.

The event opened with the inauguration and paid homage to H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej. After all the 6 different muaythai styles – Muay Lopburi, Muay Chaiya, Muay Tah Sao, Muay Pak Klang, Muay Korad, Muay Palasueksa; all the masters performed their Wai Khru styles, which was the first time in a long time in Thailand.

6 February 2013 will be World Muaythai Day, and on this date the National Culture Commission, AMTAT, WMC and IFMA will invite the world to come to Thailand and be part of this joyous occasion.

6th may 2011
For over six months now, the National Culture Ministry, the World Muaythai Council (WMC), the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA), the Amateurs Muaythai Association of Thailand (AMTAT), and many other dignities within the world of muaythai, have been working closely together to establish the World’s Muaythai Day.

The 2nd of May 2011 will remain as a historical day for Thailand and all 128 member countries of WMC and IFMA, as the Ministry of Culture’s proposal to declare February 6th of each year Muaythai Day has finally been approved by the Cabinet of the Royal Thai Government.

The day is intended to honour King Somdej Phra Sanpher the 8th, better known as Phra Chao Sua, of the Ayutthaya period. He is renowned in Thailand for his expertise in Thai martial skills. Phra Chao Sua rose to the throne on February 6th, 1702.

The Thai Ministry of Culture, Nipit Intarasombat, said in an interview that his proposal was supported by the Tourism and Sports Ministry, the Foreign Ministry, the Fine Arts Department, the Royal Institute, WMC, IFMA and AMTAT.

The President of the WMC, under directive of the Royal Thai Government and established by parliament resolution in 1995, General Chetta Thanajaro, stated that this is a proud day for all Thais and certainly for all muaythai friends from all around the world.

Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan, President of the Amateur Muaythai Association of Thailand, the sole national Muaythai federation, under Royal Patronage, stated that next year it will be the inauguration as it is perfectly in line with the concept of Muaythai trying to become IOC recognized.

World Muay thai Day