Thai Prime Minister visits UK gym to promote social development through martial arts

This visit underscores the potential of sport to foster international partnerships, align with global policy frameworks, and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By engaging with Fight City Gym, a leader in the UK’s martial arts community, the initiative highlights how Muay Thai can drive inclusive policies and community empowerment worldwide.

Fight City Gym, established in 2013, operates three locations in London—Moorgate, Balham, and Elephant & Castle—and is a cornerstone of the UK’s Muay Thai and mixed martial arts (MMA) scene. With over 50 dedicated Muay Thai gyms in London, the city is a global hub for the sport, making Fight City Gym a strategic choice for the Prime Minister’s visit. The gym’s commitment to accessible training, from beginner classes to competitive fight nights, supports community engagement and skill development, aligning with the global mission to harness sport for social good.

During the visit, Prime Minister Shinawatra met with gym owners, trainers, and promoters to discuss policy initiatives to enhance Muay Thai’s global presence. Key proposals included:

• Developing an internationally standardized Muay Thai curriculum to ensure consistent training quality and accessibility across diverse communities.
• Streamlining visa and work permit processes for Muay Thai instructors to facilitate knowledge exchange and job creation.
• Supporting the establishment of overseas Muay Thai gyms to expand the sport’s reach and promote cultural exchange.
• Implementing certification standards through Thailand’s Board of Boxing Sport to uphold professional integrity and safety.

These policy measures align with SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting structured, inclusive training programs and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by creating opportunities for instructors and gym operators. The initiatives also reflect the emphasis on coordinated global frameworks, as they aim to integrate local and international stakeholders in advancing Muay Thai’s development.

The visit highlights Muay Thai’s role in cultural diplomacy, strengthening ties between Thailand and the UK. Fight City Gym’s inclusive approach, offering classes for all skill levels and hosting regional competitions, demonstrates how sport can foster social cohesion in diverse urban settings. By serving as a platform for cultural exchange, the gym supports SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), showcasing the power of sport to build international collaboration.

Thailand’s strategy to promote Muay Thai as a cultural asset also offers lessons for the sport and development community. The proposed policies provide a model for standardizing sport-based programs while respecting local contexts, a critical factor in scaling impact. Furthermore, the focus on instructor mobility and certification addresses gaps in global sport governance, ensuring sustainability and professionalism.

Fight City Gym invites individuals to explore Muay Thai through a two-week trial across its locations, reinforcing its commitment to accessibility. This initiative, combined with the Prime Minister’s visit, positions the gym as a leader in advancing sport’s contribution to social and economic development.