22/10/2026
👇🏾🫶🏽🇹🇭😊
It has been established that the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) has
issued letters to sports authorities and organizations both in Thailand and abroad, expressing its intention to seek recognition as the sole principal organization with authority to govern Muaythai worldwide. Such actions have led to widespread misunderstanding regarding the legal framework and the respective powers and responsibilities of relevant organizations. They have also directly affected professionals in the seven categories associated with boxing under the Boxing Act B.E. 2542 (1999), namely boxers, trainers, referees, boxing managers, boxing camp leaders, arena owners, and boxing promoters, as well as various Muaythai organizations, which have consequently encountered difficulties in conducting Muaythai activities and organizing competitions abroad.
Furthermore, IFMA member organizations in certain countries have issued letters expressing
concerns regarding government initiatives aimed at promoting Muaythai culture and standards, including Muaythai Master Class activities and Standard Muaythai Gym (SMG) certification, citing IFMA’s claimed regulatory authority. In addition, an anonymous complaint concerning IFMA’s operations has reportedly been submitted under the European Union Whistleblower Protection Law in Athens, Greece, alleging monopolistic practices in Muaythai and potential violations of competition law arising from IFMA’s alleged abuse of a dominant market position.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, through the Office of the Boxing Committee
under the Sports Authority of Thailand, as the government authority established pursuant to the
Boxing Act B.E. 2542 (1999), hereby affirms its official position and provides the following
clarifications in order to promote a correct understanding among the global Muaythai community:
1. Legal Authority and the Administration of Muaythai in Thailand The Office of the Boxing Committee under the Sports Authority of Thailand is the principal authority under Thailand’s domestic law with direct powers and responsibilities for the promotion, support, preservation, dissemination, and regulation of Muaythai, including the issuance of regulations and the establishment of standards. Although IFMA is an international organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the development and advancement of “amateur Muaythai,” Thai law does not recognize or confer upon any single organization exclusive or monopolistic authority over the administration and governance of Muaythai.
2. Distinction Between Amateur Muaythai and Professional and Commercial Muaythai The Government wishes to emphasize the clear distinction between “amateur Muaythai,” which operates within the Olympic framework and is subject to specific requirements concerning protective equipment and competition rules, and “professional and commercial Muaythai” (Sports Entertainment), such as ONE Championship, RWS, Thai Fight, WBC Muaythai, and Fairtex Fight, which operate within the legal framework governing professional Muaythai and have different operational models, commercial rights and benefits, and economic objectives.
Accordingly, government activities aimed at promoting Muaythai, certifying Muaythai gym
standards for recognition, or conducting training programs abroad constitute lawful measures to
promote Thai arts and culture and the sports industry. Such activities are carried out in compliance
with the applicable laws and regulations of the respective host countries.
3. Openness, Free Competition, and Non-Interference The Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand and the Sports Authority of Thailand recognize and stand ready to support IFMA’s mission to develop amateur Muaythai toward participation in Olympic-level competition. Nevertheless, the Royal Thai Government maintains that all organizations must strictly perform their functions within the scope of their respective mandates, roles, and responsibilities. Accordingly, IFMA must refrain from interfering with commercial Muaythai activities, cultural activities, or the operations of other organizations.
The Royal Thai Government remains ready to cooperate with all sectors, both domestically and
internationally, on the basis of equality and transparency and without monopoly or restriction of free and fair competition, in order to provide opportunities for the Muaythai community and industry to achieve sustainable growth and to maximize the benefits of Thailand’s cultural heritage on the international stage.
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