THAILAND PLANS MUAY THAI VISA TO FUEL SPORTS TOURISM, PROMOTE SOFT POWER

BANGKOK, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- Thailand intends to introduce a Muay Thai visa, enhancing sports tourism and cross-cultural interchange, to strengthen the country's economy and project soft power.

The Thai government is prepared to offer individuals who are interested in learning Muay Thai a special 90-day visa (instead of the standard 60-day visa), according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

“We are not only thinking of granting a special visa for Muay Thai, but also for other soft power activities such as Thai dancing, Thai music, and learning to cook Thai food.

“We are ready to support these initiatives.  We are preparing to consider granting a special visa for them next,” he said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Adviser to the prime minister and chairman of the government's subcommittee for driving sports-related activities, Pimol Srivikorn said the Thai government plans to introduce a special visa for foreign tourists who want to visit Thailand to practise Muay Thai.

"With a tourist visa, a foreigner can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days but with a special visa for learning Muay Thai, they could stay for 90 days.

"The government will set a standard level to be attained at the classes and also certification for Muay Thai teachers so the national fighting art can be accurately disseminated around the world,” he said, quoted by the Bangkok Post.

The Thai government is seeking to promote its soft power globally in 11 industries to create more than 20 million jobs and generate 4 trillion baht per year.

These 11 industries include tourism, festivals, sports, cuisine, film, music, arts, books, gaming, design, and fashion. Brand innovation and design will be used to promote important products in the global market.

-- BERNAMA