PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand is advancing efforts to promote its cultural and economic profile through sport, with Muay Thai and large-scale athletic events playing a central role. On June 21, Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong presided over the opening of “Mother Land Of Muaythai 2025” in Sa Kaeo province. The event drew strong local participation, underscoring Muay Thai’s value as both a cultural asset and a driver of economic development.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports views Muay Thai as both a national sport and a cultural symbol that supports local economies by attracting visitors and generating income for small businesses. In provinces such as Sa Kaeo, which border neighboring countries, these events also help promote regional tourism and cross-border engagement.
On the international stage, the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) is working to expand Muay Thai’s global reach through overseas training centers, product exports, and partnerships with online platforms. Muay Thai-related products are being promoted abroad, while the sport’s presence in films, television, and video games contributes to Thailand’s soft power and promotes Muay Thai as a global cultural export.
Thailand is also hosting major international sporting events, such as the upcoming Pattaya Marathon 2025, scheduled for July 19-20. Expected to draw over 53,000 runners and spectators from 68 countries, the event is projected to bring substantial revenue to Chonburi. The government views Pattaya as a model for sport-driven tourism and plans to apply this approach to other cities in the future. (NNT)
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