Chiang Mai Province has launched the activity “Amazing Muay Thai @ Chiang Mai” to encourage tourists and boxing enthusiasts to experience Muay Thai, or Thai-style boxing, in this northern province.

The activity aims to stimulate tourism in Chiang Mai during the low season and enhance the potential of Chiang Mai for accommodating a large number of international tourists interested in this martial art. 

Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai Worawit Chaisawat stressed Chiang Mai’s readiness to welcome tourists who come to learn and practice Muay Thai, as it has many Muay Thai camps and gyms at international standards. The province also has Muay Thai trainers and experienced personnel to offer courses in the Thai martial art.

The Amazing Muay Thai @ Chiang Mai campaign has been carried out jointly by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Chiang Mai Office, partners of the Sports Authority of Thailand, and the platform “Now Muay Thai.” It is expected to give a boost to Muay Thai activities. Interested Thai and foreign tourists may apply for this activity at the website: www.nowmuaythai.com from 15 July to 15 September 2024.

Muay Thai is one of the 11 sectors of Thailand’s soft power industry, namely (1) food, (2) sports, (3) festivals, (4) tourism, (5) music, (6) books, (7) films, (8) gaming, (9) art, (10) design, and (11) fashion. It has been designated part of Thailand’s significant “soft power,” with a unique identity in terms of both sport and tourism.

Participants in Muay Thai courses will benefit from the new visa measure “Destination Thailand Visa (DTV),” which took effect on 15 July 2024. Spouses and dependent children of DTV holders will also be eligible. Foreigners wanting to apply for this visa must have proof of funds or a guarantee of not less than 500,000 baht for the duration of stay. The visa fee is 10,000 baht, with a period of stay up to 180 days per visit, on a multiple-entry basis within five years. 

The Government aims to make Muay Thai better known internationally and to push further growth of Thailand’s sports tourism industry, especially through this ancient Thai martial art.