Songkhla to Host Global Muay Thai Festival

The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) has officially announced the upcoming 'Global Muay Thai Songkhla Festival,' a cultural sports event designed to stimulate the economy in Songkhla and the broader southern region. According to SAT Deputy Governor Surasak Kerdjantuk, the festival aims to leverage Muay Thai as a cultural asset that bridges sports, tourism, and health.

The event is designed to be accessible to all, featuring a mix of educational workshops, fitness activities, competitions, and entertainment. Organizers have set a target of at least 10,000 attendees, with projections suggesting the festival could generate over 100 million baht in local economic circulation. For residents and travelers, the festival offers an opportunity to engage with local culture while supporting regional businesses, as local vendors will be provided space to sell goods and services without fees.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to position Songkhla as a premier destination for sports tourism, specifically targeting visitors from Malaysia, the ASEAN region, and beyond. Given that Songkhla saw nearly 7 million visitors in 2025, the SAT hopes this event will further increase overnight stays and local spending. While the economic goals are ambitious, specific dates for the festival and the full schedule of activities remain to be confirmed by the organizers.