THE BIRTH OF THE IMTF
1994 was the year that Thailand celebrated the Year of the Preservation and Promotion of Thai Culture. The office of the National Culture Commission and the Department of Physical Education organised the Wai Kru of Muay Thai at the Janyingyong Gym in the National Stadium. The President of the Ceremony was General Prem Tinsulanon, a member of the King's Privy Council.
It was this event that inspired the formation of the IMTF — officially formed in 1994 by a unanimous decision of its Founder Members, who were a cross section of the most respected members of Thai society.
They included an Ex-Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, General Tieanchai Sirisumpan, Civil Servants, Representatives of the Thai Government Departments of Physical Education, and Heads of both the Thai Armed Forces and Police Department.
การเติบโตระดับสากล
The Inauguration Ceremony took place on the 5th September 1994 at the National Stadium in Bangkok, which became the IMTF's Headquarters. The Founder Members were concerned that many aspects of traditional Muay Thai were being "watered down" — the Ram Muay Pre-fight Dance Ritual was not being performed, even in Thailand itself.
Since its inception, the IMTF Membership has grown to 102 Member Countries Worldwide, still growing on every Continent. Many Member Countries have received Recognition of Muay Thai & the IMTF by their authorities and Olympic Committees.
