On 20 January 2013, the Penang Muay Thai Kickboxing Association with support from the Royal Thai Consulate-General, Penang, organized the inaugural Thailand-Malaysia Muay Thai Square Ring Challenge.  They brought Muay Thai fighters from Krabi Province to fight with Muay Thai boxers from Malaysia. The purpose of this event was to strengthen friendly sports relations between the two countries. Mrs. Srirat Vathesatogkit, Consul-General, jointly presided over the ceremony with the President of the Association. Ms. Parinee Chantarakupt, General Manager of Thai Airways, as a member of Team Thailand, Penang, also attended the event. There were exhibitions of Muay Thai fights as an art form along with 4 friendly fighting matches whereby the Thai side won all four. There were around 400 Thai and Malaysian spectators who attended the event. This event will help raise awareness and promote Muay Thai as a sport and an art form in itself.