reader Posted December 2, 2023 Posted December 2, 2023 From Thai PBS World The National Soft Power Development Committee (NSPDC) has decided, in principle, to approve about Bt5.1 billion to promote 11 elements of Thailand’s soft power, from food and festivals to music, fashion and Muay Thai. There will be as many as 10,000 activities, with Songkran being the key festive activity which is expected to generate about Bt35 billion in revenues, according to Chadatip Chutrakul, chair of the festival subcommittee of the NSPDC. She said that the Songkran festival, to be referred to as “The World Water Festival”, will be held throughout the whole month of April next year. Bangkok will be the main venue, with three days and nights of processions along Rajadamnern Avenue and three entertainment stages at Sanam Luang, featuring boxing, movies, music and other festive activities. She said that famous international artists will be invited to the festival, adding that the organisers intend to claim Songkran as Thailand’s intellectual property. ========= Note — The Pattaya Mail has printed its final hard copy edition. The Pattaya Mail was founded in 1993 as a weekly English-language newspaper, covering local, national, and international news with a focus on Pattaya and its surrounding areas. Over the years, it has grown into more than just a newspaper; it has become a trusted friend and companion to our readers, offering a unique blend of information, entertainment, and community engagement. The publication will continue its legacy in the digital realm, maintaining its presence and commitment to delivering quality journalism through its website, www.pattayamail.com. From Pattaya Mail Promoting art of Muay Thai globally The Thai administration has announced a collaboration led by the Thai government to promote Muay Thai internationally. According to Chai Wacharonke, Government Spokesperson, this project aims to disseminate the art of Muay Thai globally, enhancing the Thai boxing industry and establishing it as a significant soft power. It also seeks to extend Thai boxing products and services to the international market, thereby generating revenue for Thai boxing professionals and contributing to the country’s economic value. The initiative involves the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF), the Boxing Sport Committee, the Amateur Muay Thai Association of Thailand, the Professional Muay Thai Association of Thailand, and the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA). The spokesperson further stated that Thailand has been actively promoting Muay Thai in various international locations. These include Budapest, Hungary, and Guangzhou, China, in September. A recent highlight was the “East Asian Muay Thai Championship 2023,” held on November 23rd-26th, at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Hong Kong. This event was one of the largest Muay Thai competitions in Hong Kong, with participants from Bangladesh, India, South Korea, Mongolia, Macau, Japan, Taiwan, China, and Hong Kong. On this occasion, Thailand introduced the One Standard Muaythai (OSM) to establish uniform standards for the sport. The event also featured displays of ancient Muay Thai martial arts and Thai boxing music. Additionally, Muay Thai skill clinics were organized for enthusiasts, receiving positive responses from the Hong Kong Muay Thai clubs and associations. These clinics offered both theoretical and practical Muay Thai training by experts from Thailand. (NNT) alvnv 1 Quote
PeterRS Posted December 2, 2023 Posted December 2, 2023 Wonder why they decided on World Water Festival. A Festival with the same name already exists in Kumamoto, Japan. Quote
