A new Muaythai Against Drugs Centre was opened in the Omnoi area of Bangkok last week by legendary muaythai promoter Songchai Ratansuban. The opening ceremony for the centre was presided over by His Excellency General Pichitr Kullavanijaya, the President of the Muaythai Against Drugs Foundation. The ceremony was also attended by 500 local students who were also treated to a free lunch.
The centre will provide a safe and welcoming venue where local children can come and learn muaythai. It is hoped that by introducing the children to the discipline required to succeed at muaythai, they can be kept off the streets and away from a life of drugs.
After some of the children gave a muaythai demonstration, Songchai’s daughter, Pariyakorn, spoke of her delight at the opening of the new centre. “These children are the future,” she explained. “I hope that this centre can give them an alternative way of life and keep them away from drugs. Maybe some of these children can also go on to make a living from muaythai. I also want to say a big thank you to General Pichitr for his support,” she added.
Toli Makris of Elite Boxing was also at the opening ceremony. “I’m happy to support such a worthwhile project as this,” he said. “I may be very busy organising international muaythai events, but I never forget the roots of muaythai.” Money was raised for the centre from ticket sales as 300 fans packed into the centre to watch a number of muaythai fights after the opening ceremony.
A new Muaythai Against Drugs Centre was opened in the Omnoi area of Bangkok last week by legendary muaythai promoter Songchai Ratansuban. The opening ceremony for the centre was presided over by His Excellency General Pichitr Kullavanijaya, the President of the Muaythai Against Drugs Foundation. The ceremony was also attended by 500 local students who were also treated to a free lunch.