Bangkok: Joy and celebration marked the atmosphere as Surawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, and Dr. Sutin Khlangsaeng, President of the Military Sports Promotion Association (Thailand), hosted a celebratory event for the Muay Thai athletes from Thailand's armed forces. The athletes recently showcased exceptional skill at the 1st Military Muay Thai World Games held in Thailand, which also marked the inclusion of Muay Thai in the upcoming 2027 Military World Games in the United States. According to Thai News Agency, the celebratory dinner, held at the Royal Thai Army Club in Bangkok, was attended by distinguished guests including Admiral Suppat Yutthawong, Maj. Gen. Pongpat Songsunthon, and various other prominent figures from Thailand's military and sports sectors. The event aimed to honor the achievements of the athletes from the Royal Thai Army, Navy, and Air Force, who excelled at the inaugural CISM Military Muaythai Challenge. The gathering featured an exhibition tracing Muay Thai's intern ational journey and a musical performance titled 'Proud to be Thai.' Attendees were treated to a video presentation highlighting the successful organization of the games, which saw participation from over 500 athletes across 11 countries. The event was in line with the Thai government's initiative to promote Muay Thai as a cultural and sporting "soft power," further solidified by the athletes' impressive medal haul, including nine gold medals. Mr. Surawong Thienthong expressed his delight over Muay Thai's inclusion in the 2027 games, underscoring the sport's cultural significance and its role in promoting Thai heritage globally. He presented bouquets to the triumphant athletes, while Dr. Sutin Khlangsaeng announced a financial support package totaling 713,000 baht to aid their training and morale. Dr. Sutin hailed the successful debut of the 1st World Military Muay Thai Games, emphasizing the high skill level displayed by international competitors and the positive reception of the event's organization. He h ighlighted the strategic importance of Muay Thai's inclusion in the 2027 games as a step towards Olympic recognition, a goal that Thailand is ambitiously pursuing. The collaboration behind the event included the Royal Thai Army and the Military Sports Promotion Association, supported by the International Federation of Muaythai Associations and various Thai governmental and corporate entities. This initiative aligns with Thailand's broader policy to leverage Muay Thai as both a sport and a diplomatic tool, fostering international military cooperation and showcasing Thailand's cultural prowess. As Thailand continues to promote Muay Thai on the global stage, the nation stands poised to strengthen its cultural and diplomatic ties through this revered martial art, reinforcing its status as the "Masterland of Muay Thai."