Hua Hin Muay Thai event backs youth safety
A Hua Hin Muay Thai event at Bluport on Saturday night drew Thai and foreign spectators, as organisers highlighted the city’s potential as a sports tourism destination and called for clearer safety standards for young fighters.
The “Muay Thai Saturday Super Fight”, also known as “Muay Man Wan Sao”, was held on the evening of 20 June at The Legend Arena on the third floor of Bluport Hua Hin.
The monthly event is part of a push to promote Hua Hin as a “Muay Thai City”, giving young fighters and general competitors a platform while supporting the town’s image as both a tourism and sports destination.
The event was supported by private sector partners including Bluport Hua Hin and Minimon Drinking Water.
Yaowapa Burapolchai, known as View Yaowapa, a former Thai national taekwondo athlete, Olympic bronze medallist and executive of The Legend Arena, said Muay Thai could help attract visitors while creating opportunities for local children and young people.
“Muay Thai is not just a competition. It is culture, art, sport and a possible career,” she said. “We want Hua Hin to become a Muay Thai city where tourists can watch, learn about and truly experience Muay Thai.”
The event featured eight bouts involving youth and general fighters.
One of the highlights was the bout involving Majjurat Khao Sor Kriangkrai, a young Canadian fighter who has been training in Hua Hin for almost a year. He defeated Khun Det Por Phrommin on points after showing strong technique throughout the fight.
In the main event, Kiatsak Or Bor Tor Preecha defeated Pornpisit Power Punch Boxing Gym by knockout in the second round with a spinning elbow.
Youth safety in Hua Hin Muay Thai
Speaking about child boxing, Yaowapa said she understood concerns from government agencies, doctors, parents and wider society, particularly over the possible long-term impact on children’s bodies and brain development.
However, she said Muay Thai had also helped many young people develop discipline, confidence and a pathway to future careers, income and scholarships.
She said youth bouts should be organised with clear safeguards, including suitable matchmaking based on age, weight, body size and experience. Referees, she added, should play a central role in protecting fighters during bouts.
Yaowapa also called for the government to listen to people directly involved in the sport, including camps, trainers, organisers, parents, young fighters, doctors and child development specialists.
She said The Legend Arena was ready to work with the Sports Authority of Thailand, government agencies, boxing camps and families to develop youth Muay Thai in a way that is safe, fair and sustainable, while helping Hua Hin build its status as a Muay Thai city.
