The Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson, Mr. Phumiphat Mueanchan, reported that the Labour Minister, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, has accelerated the creation of Muay Thai trainer standards to support the government’s world-class Muay Thai soft power policy, to increase the economic value of the country. There are currently over 5,000 Muay Thai training camps nationwide, 4,000 throughout Europe, and 1,700 in the United States and 50 other countries. In the United States, the Muay Thai industry is valued at 1.25 billion USD. In Thailand, it is valued at over 100 billion Baht. Thailand has developed Muay Thai until it became widely known. It has been able to successfully push Muay Thai to be included in the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA.
The Ministry of Labour’s Spokesperson said that the Labour Minister wants to upgrade the Ministry of Labour to a ministry that plays an economic role. The Department of Skills Development has been assigned to create standards for Muay Thai teachers to be accepted both domestically and abroad. At the beginning of 2024, the National Skill Standards were announced in the service sector career field for Muay Thai trainers. This standard requires Muay Thai trainers to have the knowledge and ability to plan lessons, teach techniques, use equipment, compete, and maintain health, including Muay Thai rules and regulations. It also requires them to know sports science, measurement and evaluation, and ethics of Muay Thai trainers. It is divided into two levels. Level 1 has basic knowledge and abilities in Muay Thai, and Level 2 has knowledge and ability to manage Muay Thai in various forms for the development of Muay Thai. Those who will become a Level 1 Muay Thai teacher must take an assessment that comprises 20 percent academic knowledge and 80 percent practicality, including using punches, feet, knees, elbows, and wai khru. Currently, there are 18 authorized Muay Thai trainer assessment centers, such as Muay Thai TC Bangkok, Muay Thai Berk Rerk Gym, Lampang, Fist Muay Thai Gym, Khon Kaen, Chor Chanachai Boxing Camp, Phatthalung. There is also an assessment center at 77 Skill Development Institutes and Skill Development Offices nationwide.
“In addition to creating standards for trainers, Mr. Phiphat also sees that holding assessments for Muay Thai trainers can also help generate economic value in other ways; the assessment center of the Department of Skill Development that is intended to be developed into a Profit Center in the future and private assessment centers that have been licensed. The assessment fee for Level 1 is 1,600 Baht. The Labour Minister aims to invite as many Muay Thai trainers and boxing camps around the world as possible to come and take the assessment to receive a certificate from the Department of Skill Development,” Mr. Phumiphat said.
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Division of Public Relations
