THE WORLD TOUR OF THAI MUAY THAI STARS IN PARIS WITH THE GREAT CHAMPIONS YODSANKLAI, SITTICHAI AND NONG O, AN EVENT ORGANIZED BY WBC FEDERATION, NATIONAL TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND AND SPORTS AUTHORITY OF THAILAND
THE WORLD TOUR OF THAI MUAY THAI STARS IN PARIS WITH THE GREAT CHAMPIONS YODSANKLAI, SITTICHAI AND NONG O, AN EVENT ORGANIZED BY WBC FEDERATION, NATIONAL TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND AND SPORTS AUTHORITY OF THAILAND!
special report by SERGE TREFEU
The world of Muay Thai is abuzz with the launch of the “Amazing Muay Thai Masterclass Global Tour”, a major event celebrating this ancient discipline.
Organised in collaboration with the World Boxing Council (WBC), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), this global tour aims to promote both the sport and Thai culture.
The event highlights the biggest stars of Muay Thai, offering a unique opportunity to experience high-level technical demonstrations and teachings. This project is an exceptional showcase to share the rich cultural heritage of Muay Thai with the world and attract more followers to this iconic discipline.
Supported by the Thai government’s “Soft Power” initiative, the world tour is part of a strategy to increase Thailand’s cultural and economic influence internationally. By showcasing Muay Thai, a central part of its heritage, the country seeks to attract enthusiasts from around the world and strengthen its position as a leading combat sports destination.
The initiative is not just limited to sports, but also aims to promote tourism and Thailand’s image as a center of excellence for martial arts. By combining sports with “soft power,” the government hopes to achieve economic and geopolitical goals, while also consolidating the global appeal of Thai culture.
Each event of the “Muay Thai Masterclass Global Tour” is a true immersion in Thai culture and the ancestral martial art that is Muay Thai.
Participants have the chance to learn directly from legendary fighters, who share their techniques and experience through enriching seminars. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or simply passionate, these masterclasses are accessible to all, offering an authentic learning of Muay Thai.
In addition to training, the events feature traditional Thai meals, where participants can interact with the stars of the rings in a friendly atmosphere.
Impressive demonstrations of Muay Boran, the ancient martial art from which modern Muay Thai is derived, as well as traditional Thai dance performances and traditional massage sessions, add a unique cultural dimension to each event.
These elements make the tour a complete celebration of Thailand’s rich heritage, blending sport, gastronomy and cultural traditions.
The first date of the ‘Muay Thai Masterclass Global Tour’ took place on 4th May 2024 in England, at the Hilton Hotel in Reading. The sold-out event attracted a large and passionate audience, providing an exceptional opportunity to learn directly from the greatest legends of Muay Thai.
The stars in attendance were One Championship World Champion and WMC and WPMF World Champion Phetjeejaa Or Meekun, Nong O Kaiyanghaadao, one of the most decorated boxers with One Championship, Lumpinee and Radja belts, voted Best Boxer in 2005 and 2010, and One Championship and WBC World Champion Superbon Banchamek.
Following the huge success of the first date in England, the ‘Muay Thai Masterclass Global Tour’ continues with a world tour comprising six dates in major cities across the planet.
This prestigious tour highlights some of the greatest legends of Muay Thai such as Panpayak Jitmuangnon, Lumpinee and Radja champion, elected best boxer three years in a row (2013, 2014, 2015),
former ring legend Namsaknoi Yudthagarngamtorn, Lumpinee and world champion (WAKO, WMC), elected best boxer in 1996 and 1999,
Duangdawnoi Looksaikongdin, WPMF and WMO world female champion,
Saenchai Sor Kingstar, one of the most famous nakmuays in history, WBC, WMC and WPMF world champion, voted best boxer in 1999 and 2008,
Yodsanklai Fairtex, Lumpinee champion, WBC, WMC and WPMF world champion,
Muay Thai icon Buakaw Banchamek, WBC, WMC and S1 world champion, Omnoi stadium champion,
Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong, Glory world champion and Lumpinee champion, famous for his kickboxing victories,
Singdam Kiatmuu 9, WBC world and Lumpinee champion, voted best boxer in 2002 and 2003.
The “Muay Thai Masterclass Global Tour” world tour stopped off in France on October 5, 2024, with an exceptional event organized at the superb Novotel Paris Est, located in Bagnolet.
This date was part of an international tour with stops in major cities such as Perth (September 7 in Australia), Calgary (September 21 in Canada), Los Angeles (September 28 in the United States), Verona (October 13 in Italy), and Singapore (October 19).
During this memorable seminar in France, three Muay Thai legends shared their knowledge and expertise:
Yodsanklai Fairtex, multiple WBC, WMC and WPMF world champion, and Lumpinee champion, renowned for his devastating punch.
Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong, Glory and Lumpinee world champion, renowned for his technical style and formidable efficiency.
Nong O Kaiyanghaadao, Lumpinee and Radja champion, several times voted best boxer of the year and One Championship world champion.
These three iconic figures offered a unique experience to the participants, who had the chance to learn the secrets of these masters of the ring. This Parisian stage helped to make Muay Thai shine even more in France, a country where this sport has been enjoying real enthusiasm for several decades.
Yodsanklai Fairtex, nicknamed “The Boxing Computer” because of his incredibly technical and methodical style, is without a doubt one of the best Muay Thai champions of the 2000s.
With an impressive record of nearly 300 fights, he has won prestigious titles including the Lumpinee and Thailand stadium belts while defeating formidable opponents such as Sam-A Kaiyanghadaogym, Nopparat Keatkhamtorn, Kaew Fairtex, Watcharachai Kaewsamrit, Lakhin Wassantasit, Sakadpetch Ingram Gym, Samkor Kiatmontep, Naruepol Fairtex, Lamsongkram Chuwattana, Kem Sitsongpeenong.
His dominance was not limited to Thai champions. Yodsanklai also faced and defeated the best foreign fighters of his generation, winning multiple world titles in various federations.
Among his notable victories against international fighters are names like John Wayne Parr, Farid Villaume, Artem Levin, Vuyisile Colossa, Yohan Lidon, Cosmo Alexandre, Marco Pique, Khalid Bourdif, Jordan Watson, Karim Ghajji, Antuan Pinto, Vladimír Moravčík, Gregory Choplin, Naimjon Tuhtaboyev, Chike Lindsay, Samy Sana, Marat Grigorian, Dzhabar Askerov, Cedric Manhoef, Enriko Kehl, Chris Ngimbi, Andy Souwer!
These successes, combined with his unique style and ability to adapt to any opponent, have made Yodsanklai a true Muay Thai legend, respected all over the world.
Sittichai Sitsongpeenong is one of the most accomplished fighters of his generation, having dominated both the Thai and international stages. He has defeated great Thai champions such as Anuwat Kaewsamrit, Aikpracha Meenayothin, Tuantong Pumphanmuang, Singmanee Kaewsamrit, Samranchai 96 Peenang, Phetasawin Seatransferry, Prakaysaeng Kayanghaddao, Wanchalerm Aoddonmuang, Superbon Banchamek, Tawanchai P.K. Saenchaimuaythaigym, winning the prestigious Lumpinee Stadium and Thailand belts.
Sittichai then established himself at the world level by defeating some of the best foreign fighters, including Fabio Pinca, Damien Alamos, Jordan Watson, Mickael Piscitello, Chingiz Allazov, Mohamed Khamal, Johann Fauveau, Abdallah Mabel, Dylan Salvador, Andy Souwer, Marat Grigorian, Enriko Gogokhia, Robin Van Roosmalen, Dzhabar Askerov, Masaaki Noiri!
His reign as Glory World Champion in the lightweight division marked a turning point in his career, where he defended his title six times victoriously, cementing his status as a legend in combat sports.
Sittichai’s ability to beat the best in multiple disciplines makes him a phenomenal fighter, renowned for his impeccable technique and fearsomely effective style.
Nong-O Kaiyanghadaogym is a true Muay Thai legend, having had an exceptional career with nearly 400 fights and victories against the biggest stars of the 2000s and 2010s.
He won the belts of Bangkok’s two biggest stadiums, Lumpinee and Radja, which is a testament to his dominance in the sport.
Among his notable victories, he defeated renowned Thai fighters like Anuwat Kaewsamrit, Petchboonchu F.A. Group, Pakorn Sakyotin, Kompayak Fairtex, Wutidet Lookprabat, Denkiri Sor Sommai, Orono Wor Petchpun, Lerdsila Chumpaetour, Jomthong Chuwattana, Singdam Kiatmuu 9, Kongsak Sitboonme , Sam-A Kaiyanghadaogym, Pokaew Fonjangchonburin, Sakeddao Phetpayathai, Thongchai Sitsongpeenong, F-16 Rachanon, Pornsanae Sitmonchai, Mongkolchai Kwaitonggym, Petpanomrung Kiatmuu9, Sittisak Phetpayathai, Chamuaktong Sor Yupinda.
On February 16, 2019, Nong-O marked a new milestone in his career by becoming One Championship world champion by defeating Chinese champion Han Zihao for the title in 147 lbs. This fight, which took place in Bangkok, showed all the mastery of Nong-O, who at the age of 33, won the supreme title of one of the largest Muay Thai organizations in the world.
Nong-O went on to defend his One Championship title seven times, cementing his place as one of the greatest champions of his generation!
The event on October 5, 2024 in Paris was a real success, bringing together a large audience of Muay Thai enthusiasts and several important personalities from Thailand.
Guests of honour included His Excellency Sarun Charoensuwan, Ambassador of Thailand, as well as Colonel Thanapol Bhakdibhumi, Executive Secretary of the WBC Muay Thai Federation and son of WBC Muay Thai President General Kovid Bhakdibhumi.
Also present were Mr. Preecha Lalun, Deputy Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), as well as Mr. Suriya Sitthichai (Official Director) of the National Tourism Organization of Thailand in France, Mr. Prakit Saiporn (Sales Director) of the National Tourism Organization of Thailand in France and the living legend of the rings Master Pud Pad Noy Woorawut.
The event was also attended by journalists and a Thai television crew.
The seminar was supervised by Mr. Hadj Bettahar, head of WBC Muay Thai in France, whose command of Thai and English allowed for live translations, facilitating the understanding of the techniques taught by the Thai champions.
With three hundred participants, including a hundred children from Muay Thai gyms all over France, this event demonstrated the excellent health of Muay Thai in France and the growing enthusiasm for this authentic sport.
