Muaythai has played an important part in the cultures and history of Thailand for hundreds of years.  Back in the days when Thailand was known as Siam, Muaythai was already practiced amongst all - from kings to commoners.  Muaythai proved to be of benefit when Thailand was at war with neighbouring countries as it was one of the strategies used in the battlefields.  Thai people are proud to learn that their beloved country has never been colonized and Muaythai was recognized as partly contributed to this victory.

Muaythai is not entirely about the sport or the art of fighting.  With its profound traditions and values, Muaythai is also about respect, humanity and giving.  The world Muaythai community has shown to the world with its Muaythai Against Drugs Campaign, charity initiatives and various projects have been established throughout the last several years to assist the victims from the growing numbers of unforeseen catastrophic events.  For example, care packages were distributed via the Royal Foundation to the victims of the Tsunami in December 2004.  Worldwide project to help street kids was well received in South Africa, Ukraine and Sweden.  Most recently generous numbers of computers were donated to schools in Jamaica.  Muaythai has become a genuine member of the world sport community with the inclusion in GAISF, and that the next important step is the IOC recognition. 

Earlier this year, the WMC and IFMA Executive Board were greatly fortunate to be granted a private audience with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasmi, His Royal Consort and His Royal Highness Prince Teepangkara Rasmichoti.  Lead by the Privy Councillor to His Majesty the King of Thailand, General Pichitr Kullavanijaya, the group included the President of IFMA, Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan, WMC Vice President and IFMA General Secretary, Mr. Stephan Fox.

Mr. Fox was given permission to present a special gift to His Royal Highness Prince Teepangkara Rasmichoti bearing the title of the Prince of Muaythai.  Mr. Fox stated that the Royal Family has always been a part of the sport and that the world Muaythai community feels a sense of inmost gratitude towards the Royal Family of Thailand.

The Muaythai shorts presented to His Royal Highness Prince Teepangkara Rasmichoti, the Prince of Muaythai, by the world leaders of the sport signifies their gratitude and the commitment from the international Muaythai community together with Thailand to take the sport to the highest level and to continue promoting the values and traditions of the sport that were passed on from generations to generations both within Thailand and the world.

 The IFMA World Championships will take place from 27 November – 5 December this year.  The world Muaythai community with over 1,000 athletes, both male and female, from 82 countries will participate in this event in conjunction with the Celebrations of His Majesty the King’s 82nd Birthday.  Also on December 5th, the King’s Cup event at Sanam Luang will be live televised worldwide for the first time.

In the year 2010, Muaythai will be proudly represented and included, together with 12 other IOC and/or GAISF recognized martial arts, in the SportAccord Martial Art and Combat Games in Beijing.

On behalf of all 128 member countries, we pledge our promise that we will work hard for the future of our sport.  Our dream, vision and mission could be fulfilled one day.  We may be fortunate to witness the inclusion of Muaythai in the 2020 or 2024 Olympic Sports Programme.

Source: http://www.ifmamuaythai.org/HTML/09_0907_CrownP.html