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Four-day global celebration in Hua Hin highlights National Muay Thai Day and large-scale cultural performances
BANGKOK, Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will stage the Amazing MuayThai Festival 2026 from 4–7 February at Rajabhakti Park in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, reinforcing Thailand's sports tourism positioning through Muay Thai while marking National Muay Thai Day with traditional rites, ceremonies, and cultural performances.
Held under the concept "Ultimate Muay Thai Experience", the festival pays tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, in recognition of her immeasurable contributions to the Thai people, while presenting Muay Thai as Thailand's national martial art and a distinctive cultural attraction for international visitors. Delivered in collaboration with Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, the Royal Thai Army, the Sports Authority of Thailand, the Ministry of Culture, the Public Relations Department, Chom Bueng Rajabhat University, the World Boxing Council Muay Thai, and public and private sector partners, the festival supports sports tourism development by strengthening international standards for Muay Thai as a recognised expression of Thai cultural heritage and a driver of travel demand.
Mr. Nat Kruthasoot, TAT Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, said, "Amazing MuayThai Festival 2026 reflects Thailand's commitment to safeguarding and presenting Muay Thai as a living cultural heritage with international appeal. The festival invites visitors from around the world to experience Muay Thai in its authentic setting, connecting physical training with tradition, ceremony, and community, while supporting sports tourism development and local economies."
The Amazing MuayThai Festival 2026 will deliver a comprehensive four-day programme combining sport, culture, and hands-on engagement, with activities taking place daily from 16.00 to 22.00 at Rajabhakti Park. Across all four days, visitors can experience professional Muay Thai demonstrations, exhibitions explaining ceremonial traditions and fighter rankings, and training sessions rooted in the four classical styles of Muay Thai Boran — Muay Chaiya of the Southern region, Muay Korat of the Northeastern region, Muay Tha Sao of the Northern region, and Muay Lop Buri of the Central region — conducted at the Ancient Muay Thai Camp between 16.00 and 19.00. Stage programmes commence from 16.05, featuring self-defence demonstrations, traditional Thai folk games related to boxing such as Muay Tap Chak and Muay Thale, and cultural or contemporary performances in the early evening.
A major highlight takes place on 6 February, officially designated as National Muay Thai Day, commemorating King Sanphet VIII, more widely known as the Tiger King (Phra Chao Suea) and revered as the Father of Muay Thai. The principal ceremonial programme runs from 17.30 to 20.00, featuring rituals honouring seven former Thai monarchs and Phra Chao Suea, the offering of royal tributes, a Brahman blessing ceremony, and the Wai Kru ceremony led by master Muay Thai teachers. The evening culminates in a grand cultural performance presented in four acts by more than 1,500 performers, enhanced by light, sound, and fireworks.
Complementing the main programme, visitors can also participate in a wide range of hands-on cultural activities, including traditional strength-testing practices such as banana tree kicking and lime punching, as well as demonstrations of Thai craftsmanship associated with Muay Thai culture, including sacred tattooing and yantra inscription. Additional highlights include interactive skill-based games, retail zones offering Muay Thai equipment and training courses, local food and signature products from Prachuap Khiri Khan, live music performances from 20.00, and nightly mini-concerts by well-known artists from 21.00, before activities conclude at 22.00 each evening.
Thailand currently has more than 5,000 Muay Thai camps and gyms nationwide, demonstrating a strong capacity to welcome international visitors. This is supported by government measures such as the Non-Immigrant ED Muay Thai visa, which allows foreign visitors to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days to train at certified camps, with the option to extend up to one year, strengthening Thailand's position as a leading destination for Muay Thai-focused sports tourism and long-stay travel.
TAT expects the Amazing MuayThai Festival 2026 to attract approximately 18,000 visitors, generating an estimated economic value of around 214 million Baht, while stimulating travel among Muay Thai enthusiasts and culturally motivated visitors during the event period and reinforcing Thailand's position as the world's leading destination for Muay Thai learning and authentic engagement.
Four-day global celebration in Hua Hin highlights National Muay Thai Day and large-scale cultural performances
BANGKOK, Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will stage the Amazing MuayThai Festival 2026 from 4–7 February at Rajabhakti Park in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, reinforcing Thailand's sports tourism positioning through Muay Thai while marking National Muay Thai Day with traditional rites, ceremonies, and cultural performances.
Held under the concept "Ultimate Muay Thai Experience", the festival pays tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, in recognition of her immeasurable contributions to the Thai people, while presenting Muay Thai as Thailand's national martial art and a distinctive cultural attraction for international visitors. Delivered in collaboration with Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, the Royal Thai Army, the Sports Authority of Thailand, the Ministry of Culture, the Public Relations Department, Chom Bueng Rajabhat University, the World Boxing Council Muay Thai, and public and private sector partners, the festival supports sports tourism development by strengthening international standards for Muay Thai as a recognised expression of Thai cultural heritage and a driver of travel demand.
Mr. Nat Kruthasoot, TAT Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, said, "Amazing MuayThai Festival 2026 reflects Thailand's commitment to safeguarding and presenting Muay Thai as a living cultural heritage with international appeal. The festival invites visitors from around the world to experience Muay Thai in its authentic setting, connecting physical training with tradition, ceremony, and community, while supporting sports tourism development and local economies."
The Amazing MuayThai Festival 2026 will deliver a comprehensive four-day programme combining sport, culture, and hands-on engagement, with activities taking place daily from 16.00 to 22.00 at Rajabhakti Park. Across all four days, visitors can experience professional Muay Thai demonstrations, exhibitions explaining ceremonial traditions and fighter rankings, and training sessions rooted in the four classical styles of Muay Thai Boran — Muay Chaiya of the Southern region, Muay Korat of the Northeastern region, Muay Tha Sao of the Northern region, and Muay Lop Buri of the Central region — conducted at the Ancient Muay Thai Camp between 16.00 and 19.00. Stage programmes commence from 16.05, featuring self-defence demonstrations, traditional Thai folk games related to boxing such as Muay Tap Chak and Muay Thale, and cultural or contemporary performances in the early evening.
A major highlight takes place on 6 February, officially designated as National Muay Thai Day, commemorating King Sanphet VIII, more widely known as the Tiger King (Phra Chao Suea) and revered as the Father of Muay Thai. The principal ceremonial programme runs from 17.30 to 20.00, featuring rituals honouring seven former Thai monarchs and Phra Chao Suea, the offering of royal tributes, a Brahman blessing ceremony, and the Wai Kru ceremony led by master Muay Thai teachers. The evening culminates in a grand cultural performance presented in four acts by more than 1,500 performers, enhanced by light, sound, and fireworks.
Complementing the main programme, visitors can also participate in a wide range of hands-on cultural activities, including traditional strength-testing practices such as banana tree kicking and lime punching, as well as demonstrations of Thai craftsmanship associated with Muay Thai culture, including sacred tattooing and yantra inscription. Additional highlights include interactive skill-based games, retail zones offering Muay Thai equipment and training courses, local food and signature products from Prachuap Khiri Khan, live music performances from 20.00, and nightly mini-concerts by well-known artists from 21.00, before activities conclude at 22.00 each evening.
Thailand currently has more than 5,000 Muay Thai camps and gyms nationwide, demonstrating a strong capacity to welcome international visitors. This is supported by government measures such as the Non-Immigrant ED Muay Thai visa, which allows foreign visitors to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days to train at certified camps, with the option to extend up to one year, strengthening Thailand's position as a leading destination for Muay Thai-focused sports tourism and long-stay travel.
TAT expects the Amazing MuayThai Festival 2026 to attract approximately 18,000 visitors, generating an estimated economic value of around 214 million Baht, while stimulating travel among Muay Thai enthusiasts and culturally motivated visitors during the event period and reinforcing Thailand's position as the world's leading destination for Muay Thai learning and authentic engagement.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
TAT stages Amazing MuayThai Festival 2026 to elevate sports tourism through Thai heritage
Available from February, the new menu brings a modern take on Filipino cuisine to Business Class passengers flying from Manila to Doha
MANILA, Philippines, Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Qatar Airways is proud to announce its latest collaboration with renowned Filipino husband-and-wife duo, Chef Jordy and May Navarra, featuring an exclusive new Business Class menu for passengers travelling from Manila to Doha. Available from 2 February, the menu features a modern and refined take on well-loved Filipino dishes, and starting July 2026, the menu will also be available from Doha to Manila.
As the head chef and owner behind Manila's One-Star Michelin Restaurant, Toyo Eatery, Chef Jordy Navarra brings his passion and love for cooking to Qatar Airways, with a five-course experience that reimagines fine-dining in the skies.
The menu features an appetizer of seared chilled scallops, braised beef short ribs tiyula itum for main course, pansit noodle ensalada for a light option, purée of arroz caldo for breakfast porridge and a standout dessert of sans rival cake with philippine chocolate sorbet. Ingredients are carefully sourced from local suppliers, in accordance with sustainable practices and seasonality to highlight the best Filipino ingredients.
This collaboration marks another milestone in Qatar Airways' award-winning in-flight offerings and its ongoing legacy of extraordinary gourmet offerings. By investing in premium onboard experiences and joining with world-class chefs, Qatar Airways has earned a reputation as a global leader in aviation. The airline was named the 'World's Best Business Class' for the 11th time in 2024 and achieved the title of 'World's Best Airline' for a record-breaking 8th time in the same year. Synonymous with luxury and innovation, Qatar Airways also holds accolades for 'World's Best Business Class Lounge' and 'Best Airline in the Middle East'. Qatar Airways currently flies to over 170 destinations worldwide, via one seamless connection through Hamad International Airport, the 'World's Best Airport', as voted by Skytrax in 2021, 2022, and 2024.
Qatar Airways x Chef Jordy and May Menu:
Manila – Doha Menu
Appetizer
- Seared Chilled Scallop
mustard leaf, shrimp buro, radish and salted egg
Main Course
- Braised Beef Short Ribs Tiyula Itum
charred coconut, eggplant and heirloom Tinawon rice
Dessert
- Sans Rival Cake
Philippine chocolate sorbet
Light Option
- Pansit Noodle Ensalada
chayote and pomelo
Breakfast Porridge
- Puree of Arroz Caldo
chicken, anchovy and egg
Click here to download hi-res images
About Qatar Airways
A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways won the 'World's Best Airline' title for an unprecedented ninth time at the 2025 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. Qatar Airways was previously named the World's Best Airline in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2024.
The airline continues to be synonymous with excellence, and has yet again received recognition for 'World's Best Business Class', and 'World's Best Business Class Airline Lounge'. As the leading connector in the region, Qatar Airways has also been lauded with the 'Best Airline in the Middle East' title for the 13 time.
Qatar Airways currently flies to over 170 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, the 'Best Airport in the Middle East' for 11 consecutive years, as well as 'World's Best Airport Shopping' for the third year in a row, as voted by Skytrax. Hamad International Airport has previously been named the 'World's Best Airport' by Skytrax in 2021, 2022, and 2024.
Qatar Airways was the first Airline in the Middle East to be certified to the highest level of IATA's Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) programme, based on recognised environmental management system principles (such as ISO 14001). As an inaugural signatory to the Buckingham Palace Declaration in March 2016, Qatar Airways became the first airline globally to be certified to the industry standard for the prevention of illegal wildlife trafficking in aviation.
For further information, visit www.qatarairways.com
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Qatar Airways Partners with Michelin One-Star Filipino Chef Jordy and May Navarra to Launch an Exclusive Business Class Menu
