Bangkok: The Royal Thai Army has dispatched a team of Muay Thai trainers to the United States to provide training to American soldiers, marking a significant cultural and military exchange initiative. This project, supported by the Subcommittee on Soft Power Muaythai, aims to enhance military cooperation and promote Thailand’s cultural heritage through its traditional martial art.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pimol Srivikorn, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Soft Power Muaythai, endorsed the program, which involves sending Muay Thai trainers from Lumpini Boxing Stadium to Camp Schofield in Hawaii. The initiative, led by Lt. Gen. Surin Priyanupap, is a collaborative effort between the Royal Thai Army Sports Development Center and the Sports Authority of Thailand. The training, designed for U.S. soldiers, is scheduled from October 20 to November 2, 2024.
During the initial days of training, participants focused on foundational techniques including guard stance, movement positions, and various punches lik
e jab, cross hook, uppercut, overhead, and superman punch. The program then progressed to more advanced techniques, such as elbow strikes, elbow cutting, and jumping elbows. In return, U.S. soldiers shared their knowledge of grappling, clinching, wrestling, and opponent control, drawing significant interest from the participating armies. Personnel from friendly armies attended the training sessions daily, underscoring the mutual enthusiasm for this unique cultural exchange.