Ministry of Tourism and Sports Opens “Muay Thai to the World”, Welcoming 176 Countries at the 63rd WBC Convention, Promote Thai Martial Arts Heritage and Drive the Economy and Tourism

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports opens “Muay Thai to the World”,

Welcoming 176 countries at the 63rd WBC Convention to promote Thai martial arts heritage and drive the economy and tourism.

On December 1, 2025, at the ballroom of the Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park Hotel, Bangkok, Mr. Attakorn Sirilattayakorn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, assigned Mr. Than Wuttitham, Chairman of the Minister’s Advisory Board, to preside over the opening ceremony of the international boxing conference “The 63rd WBC Annual Convention and The 1st WBC Muay Thai Convention”, held under the theme “Muay Thai to the World”.

The event was honored by the presence of Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, who delivered their vision statements, while Mr. Thanapon Phakdiphum, President of the WBC Association, officially welcomed the participants.

This convention marked a historic collaboration between the World Boxing Council (WBC) and WBC MuayThai in jointly organizing their annual general meetings. The event welcomed members from 176 countries worldwide, along with promoters, world champions, and more than 2,000 media representatives, aiming to elevate global standards in both professional boxing and Muay Thai.

Mr. Than Wuttitham emphasized the Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ policy to strengthen Thailand’s image as a global destination for Muay Thai, integrating the “Charm of Thainess” with “Martial Arts Excellence” to create a distinctive and valuable sports tourism experience.

“Muay Thai is not merely a sport; it is a priceless national heritage. The government is committed to positioning Thailand as a Combat Sports Hub of Asia. Hosting this event presents a vital opportunity to utilize Muay Thai as a cultural bridge to generate sustainable income for the country, while showcasing Thailand’s readiness to welcome all people from around the world with friendship and mutual respect.”

The opening ceremony also featured a traditional Thai martial art teacher appreciation ceremony, as well as an awards presentation honoring distinguished individuals in the boxing community, including the Lifetime Achievement Award and The Bravest Man on Earth Award

The 63rd WBC Annual Convention and the 1st WBC Muay Thai Convention will continue until December 5, 2025, featuring a variety of key activities such as academic seminars, Muay Thai training sessions, and world championship bouts, collectively driving the growth of Thailand’s sports and tourism industries on a global scale.