The Ministry of Labor has set standards for Muay Thai trainers in an effort to help them gain greater recognition locally and internationally, in response to the Government’s policy to boost sports tourism and promote Muay Thai as one of Thailand’s significant “soft power” sectors.

Government Spokesperson Chai Wacharonke said that Muay Thai trainers and camps worldwide have been urged to undergo testing in Thailand in order to obtain certificates and licenses from the Department of Skill Development.

In early 2024, the Department of Skill Development announced the National Skills Standard Testing and Assessment on Muay Thai Trainers. A total of 18 testing centers for Muay Thai trainers have so far received professional licenses from the department. There are also 77 testing centers operated by the Institutes of skill development and offices for skill development across the country.

The Government Spokesperson said that Muay Thai-related industries in Thailand were valued at more than 100 billion baht. In the United States, the value came to 1.25 billion US dollars. Because of the high value of Muay Thai activities, the Government deems it necessary to support standard development for Muay Thai professionals.

Muay Thai is taught in many countries. Currently there are over 5,000 Muay Thai camps across Thailand, 4,000 in Europe, 1,700 in the United States, and 50 in other parts of the world. Demand for Muay Thai trainers is high overseas.

Recognized as an important part of Thai culture, Muay Thai, or Thai-style boxing, is both a martial art and a national sport of Thailand. Muay Thai camps have become the newest tourism destinations in Thailand. They also have great potential to accommodate the large number of international tourists interested in this martial art.

The Government Spokesperson said that the Prime Minister thanked all relevant agencies for their efforts to continue to promote Muay Thai, so that it would be better known worldwide and provide greater employment opportunities for the people.