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The 16th Annual World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony Returns

March 16 - 17 , 2024

From 16-17 March 2024 at Wat Mahathat and Wat Langkha Khao in the atmospheric Ayutthaya Historical Park.

Mark your calendars for March 16th and 17th, 2024, as the iconic World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony makes its grand return to the atmospheric Ayutthaya Historical Park, specifically at Wat Mahathat and Wat Langkha Khao.

Set against the backdrop of the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, located just an hour's drive north of Bangkok, this highly anticipated event will feature multiple activities at Wat Langkha Khao. Meanwhile, the sacred Wai Kru ceremony will unfold at Wat Mahathat, with its majestic ruins providing a stunning setting.

After a four-year hiatus, the World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony is back, following its last edition in 2019, which saw a record turnout of over 1,500 Muay Thai boxers from 70 countries descending upon Ayutthaya.

For Muay Thai practitioners worldwide, participating in this annual ceremony is a revered tradition, as it offers them the opportunity to express gratitude to their masters and trainers through this time-honored ritual. It's a celebration of the ancient art of Muay Thai that brings together practitioners from all corners of the globe.

Programme: 16th World Wai Khru Muay Thai Ceremony

Saturday, 16 March 2024

16.00 Hrs.

  • Showcases and training of Muay Thai Boran or ancient Thai boxing styles from various parts of Thailand, including Muay Chaiya, Muay Korat, Muay Thai Sao, and Muay Lop Buri.
  • Booths of Muay Thai camps offering Muay Thai training courses.
  • Showcases of Thai handicrafts including Yantra tattooing, Yantra writing, and Aranyik bladesmithing.
  • Thai martial art performances and stamina tests with the ancient Muay Thai training drills such as kicking a sack and Muay Thai exhibition.
  • Folk sports such as Muay Tap Chak and May Thale.
  • Ayutthaya’s signature dishes and desserts such as ‘Roti Sai Mai’ (cotton candy crepes), ‘Khao Kaeng Boran’ (rice served with different choices of Thai curries), and Phat Thai.

18.00 Hrs.

  • Contemporary cultural performances.

Sunday, 17 March 2024

16.00 Hrs.

  • Showcases and training of Muay Thai Boran or ancient Thai boxing styles from various parts of Thailand, including Muay Chaiya, Muay Korat, Muay Thai Sao, and Muay Lop Buri.
  • Booths of Muay Thai camps offering Muay Thai training courses.
  • Showcases of Thai handicrafts including Yantra tattooing, Yantra writing, and Aranyik bladesmithing.
  • Thai martial art performances and stamina tests with the ancient Muay Thai training drills such as kicking a sack and Muay Thai exhibition.
  • Folk sports such as Muay Tap Chak and May Thale.
  • Ayutthaya’s signature dishes and desserts such as ‘Roti Sai Mai’ (cotton candy crepes), ‘Khao Kaeng Boran’ (rice served with different choices of Thai curries), and Phat Thai.

17.00 Hrs.          

  • The procession of Muay Thai masters and boxers entering the ceremony venue.

18.00 Hrs.          

  • Arrival of the Chairperson of the ceremony.
  • The ceremony of blessing and wearing the auspicious headband.
  • The much-anticipated Wai Kru Muay Thai dance

19.30 Hrs.          

  • Welcome reception

20.00 Hrs.

  • Welcome speech

20.30 Hrs.

  • Thai art and cultural performances

21.00 Hrs.          

  • End of the ceremony

For more information: https://www.tatnews.org

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