The annual World Wai Kru Muay Thai ceremony has become a firm fixture on the calendars of Muay Thai fans all over the world, and also takes place to celebrate Nai Khanom Tom Day. This year is the event’s 14th edition, which is scheduled to take place on 16-17 March, 2018 in the atmospheric Ayutthaya Historical Park.
The World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony enables boxers to pay respects to their masters, and to pay homage to Nai Khanom Tom at his statue (above photo) in Ayutthaya. Nai Khanom Tom was the legendary Muay Thai folk hero who was the most famous Muay Thai warrior of the Ayutthaya period and who remains a hero to Muay Thai boxers to this day.
Programme
16 March, 2018
14.00 – 18.00 Hrs. Miracle Muay Thai Festival at Wat Langkha Khao (opposite Wat Maha That), organised by the Professional Boxing Association of Thailand (PBAT) and The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
16.00 – 18.00 Hrs. Demonstration of Thai handicrafts including Yantra tattooing, Yantra writing, Aranyik swords making, Thai martial art performance, and energy testing through ancient Muay Thai boxing drills; such as, kicking a banana tree, punching limes, chopping water, etc., Thai food stalls, and Muay Thai boxing souvenirs. Thai martial art performances: sword, pole, and sword fighting.
17 March, 2018
13.00 – 17.00 Hrs. Miracle Muay Thai Festival at Wat Langkha Khao (opposite WatMaha That), organised jointly by the PBAT and TAT.
15.00 – 17.00 Hrs. Demonstration of Thai handicrafts including Yantra tattooing, Yantra writing, Aranyik swords making, Thai martial art performance, and energy testing through ancient Muay Thai boxing drills; such as, kicking a banana tree, punching limes, chopping water, etc., Thai food stalls, and Muay Thai boxing souvenirs. Thai martial art performances: sword, pole, and sword fighting.
17.00 Hrs. Thai martial art performances: sword, pole, and sword fighting. Meet and greet with famous Muay Thai boxers.
17.30 Hrs. The procession of the Chairperson of the ceremony, Muay Thai masters, and Muay Thai boxers to the ceremonial pavilion.
18.00 Hrs. The respect-paying ceremony to ancient Thai kings and warriors who protected the sovereignty of the land; namely, King Naresuan the Great, Phrachao Suea, and Phraya Phichai Dap Hak, with a Wai Kru dance performed by all participating Muay Thai boxers.
19.30 Hrs. Welcome reception.
20.30 Hrs. Thai cultural performances “Amazing Muay Thai”
21.00 Hrs. End of the ceremony
Remarks: The welcome reception is reserved for invited guests only.
