ASTANA — Muay Thai is deepening cultural ties between Thailand and Kazakhstan by creating connections beyond language and politics, Ambassador of Thailand to Kazakhstan Piyapin Niyomrerks told The Astana Times. Her comments came as three prominent fighters opened a two-day Muay Thai master class in Astana on Aug.
20. Muay Boran, a traditional Thai martial art that preceded modern Muay Thai performed during the masterclass in Astana on Aug. 20. Photo credit: Nagima Abuova / The Astana Times “Beyond sports and competition, soft power like our cuisine, our sport and our Muay Thai has always been a pillar of our bilateral relations with Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
Even though we have a language barrier – I don’t speak Kazakh, I don’t speak Russian – everyone on the street knows the words Tom Yum, Muay Thai and Phuket. This is how soft power goes beyond the language barrier, goes beyond politics, and creates bonds of friendship through the love of sports,” said Niyomrerks.
The Muay Thai master class at the Kazakh National University of Sports (KNUS) brings together athletes, coaches, young fighters and enthusiasts for training with internationally renowned Thai fighter Buakaw Banchamek. Ambassador of Thailand to Kazakhstan Piyapin Niyomrerks.
Photo credit: Nagima Abuova / The Astana Times Buakaw, a two-time K-1 World MAX champion, is one of the best-known figures in international Muay Thai. His career also includes four World Muaythai Council titles, championships in two divisions at Omnoi Stadium and the 2016 Kunlun Fight Muay Thai Middleweight World Championship.
He was joined by Marie Ruumet, known as the “Snow Leopard,” the current Rajadamnern Stadium female flyweight champion, and Nuenglanlek Jitmuangnon, nicknamed “Million Horsepower,” a former Rajadamnern Stadium interim welterweight and Omnoi Stadium champion. Niyomrerks said the idea for the event emerged several months ago after she and embassy representatives attended a youth championship organized by the Kazakhstan Muay Thai Federation and saw more than 500 athletes competing in under-16 and under-18 categories.
Young athletes practice Muay Thai techniques during the master class. Photo credit: Nagima Abuova / The Astana Times “That was the first time I witnessed 500 of the young ones wearing Muay Thai kits. They were so determined and were in such a good spirit. We were so proud to see all these 500 children wearing Muay Thai kits and with Muay Thai flags on their sleeves,” she said.
From left to right: Marie Ruumet, Buakaw Banchamek and Nuenglanlek Jitmuangnon. Photo credit: Nagima Abuova / The Astana Times The embassy initially planned to invite Thai instructors to conduct a master class and teach Wai Kru, the traditional pre-fight ritual performed by Muay Thai fighters.
Niyomrerks said the Sports Authority of Thailand recognized Kazakhstan’s strong Muay Thai community and proposed bringing prominent professional fighters.