Press Release from The World Muaythai Council – 23 November 2007

The official press conference for the 2007 WMC-IFMA World Muaythai Championships was well received. HE General Pichitr privy councilor to HM the King of Thailand and Khun Ying Somjintana Paksriwongse were present. The representative of HM the King was very pleased that about 100 national teams from 100 countries will travel to Thailand to participate in the championships held in honor of HM's 80 th Birthday celebrations. Over 1500 athletes, officials and supporters are traveling to Bangkok to take part in this event which is the biggest single sport event held in the history of Thailand.

There will be many events within the event. The World Muaythai Aerobic Championships and a special muaythai gala dinner will be held on the 4 th of December at the Miracle Grand Hotel. Dignitaries from around the world, embassies, the president of GAISF (General Association of International Sports Federations) and chairman of the 2008 Olympic coordination committee and many other dignitaries from the sporting world will be in attendance.

Every IOC (International Olympic Committee) and GAISF recognized martial art will send a representative to honor HM's birthday and to participate in the championship. A special GAISF Martial Arts meeting will be held on the 5 th chaired by the president of GAISF and IOC member Hein Verbruggen to coordinate the 2010 GAISF Martial Arts Games for all IOC and GAISF recognised martial arts including muaythai. Thailand is one of the bidding countries for the games.

The championships will be held from the 27 th of November until the 4th of December at the 3rd Floor Fashion Island, Island Hall from 14.00-21.00.    December the 5th will mark the closing of the championships at Sanam Luang where the championship finals will take place from 16.00-19.00. The candle light ceremony to honor HM the King will follow after which a special professional muaythai gala show will take place. 300,000 spectators are expected at the palace grounds of Sanam Luang. In addiction, this special event will also be televised in over 50 countries, allowing viewers from around the world to join in the celebrations for HM the King's 80 th Birthday through the nation's treasured sport of Muaythai.