During 4 – 31 May 2015, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organizes a Muay Thai Roadshow in 8 cities across China. The roadshow is being jointly-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Royal Thai Embassy in Beijing, the Royal Thai Consulate-Generals in China, in cooperation with Thailand Foundation. The aim of the roadshow, which is one among the many activities organized to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Thailand – China diplomatic relations, is to present the martial art of Muay Thai in its traditional form as well as to promote Thailand’s image and Thainess through Muay Thai. So far, Muay Thai events had been held in Beijing during 5 – 6 May 2015 and Xi’an on 9 May 2015.

 

            The third city to host the roadshow after Beijing and Xi’an was Kunming. In Kunming, Thai boxers from “Lanna Fighting” camp performed a selection of Muay Thai shows such as ancient boxing, sword fighting and demonstrated self-defense techniques for the audiences at Thai Festival organized at Nanya Fengqing Shopping Center. 

 

            Thai Festival in Kunming is jointly-organized annually in May by the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kunming, Team Thailand in Kunming, Thai Chamber of Commerce, and private sectors as well as local authority as a platform to promote Thailand and Thai culture. Since this year the festival coincides with the 40th anniversary of Thailand – China diplomatic relations, many shows and activities were arranged including Muay Thai performance, Thai dancing, cultural performances from Chinese students in Yunnan, demonstration of Thai handicraft and display of Thai specialties selected from 77 provinces of Thailand.

 

             The performance by “Lanna Fighting” camp was very well received and attracted a lot of interest from more than 1,000 people attending the event. Muay Thai Roadshow in Kunming succeeds in creating favorable attitude among Chinese towards Thailand. After Kunming, the roadshow is set to take place in Qingdao.