The World Muaythai Council is the only globally authorized professional body for Muaythai - both in Thailand and worldwide.

The World Muaythai Council was set up under the directive of the Thai government and sanctioned by the Sports Authority of Thailand in 1995. The first meeting attracted representatives from 39 countries; each federation coming with different rules and guidelines. This mixture was aptly suitable for the venue - UN headquarters in Bangkok.

The primary aim of the WMC is to unite all the world federations, gyms and promoters under one umbrella in order to promote Muaythai as a safe ring sport and a Martial Arts with a long and proud tradition. Right from the start, the members focused on standardizing safety rules etc, aiming to resolve their differences. Aspects we now see as normal such as committees on safety, rankings, promotion, medical, and technical boards were set in motion.

Muaythai, under the umbrella of the WMC, has evolved into a premier ring sport a fighting art with no equal in terms of unarmed combat skills and spectator appeal. Having been charged with responsibility for the expansion of Muaythai worldwide and also with supporting young people and athletes in all countries - aiding them in learning the skills of Muaythai, the WMC is proud to say that these aims are being achieved around the globe today.

The government’s directive also covers the regulation of Muaythai competition throughout the world, in accordance with its government approved articles of Association.

Nowadays, you can see the quality Muaythai fights anywhere in the world; no longer do you have to travel to Thailand to see champions. Boxers, both male and female, compete at a comparable level to their Thai counterparts. 

The setting up of rankings and organizing of national, intercontinental and world title bouts brings boxers from as far apart as Canada and Australia into competition with each other. It is fair to say that a WMC world champion is truly that and it is a title which boxers can proudly claim.

Alongside the obvious sporting aims, the WMC has also been concerned to bring all international Muaythai organizations under one regulatory council. This is clearly the best way to promote the Thai fighting art onto the world stage and into the second millennium.

We can now clearly state that this has been achieved; the WMC can boast of over 100 member countries in all 5 continents. Many of these federations are full-blown national groups with funding and support from governments and Sports Authorities; others are fledgling with much support being offered from the WMC to build the sport. All members are considered equal as you never know where the next champion will come from.

Many people, both Thai and non-Thai have worked incredibly hard over the last 11 years to bring this state of affairs to pass. The year 2006, will see the 8th World Executive board meeting in Bangkok headed by the President of the WMC, General Chetta Thanajaro. Under his guidance and with much support from the national presidents and coaches, the WMC has gone from strength to strength.

The WMC itself is now a household name around the world; we have maintained close relationships with all our Budo and Martial Arts friends from around the world. We all have something to offer to the world of sport and should continue to work together to promote martial arts in all forms.

On the wider stage, the WMC now broadcast shows on various cable stations to bring the sport to an even bigger audience. Raising the profile of the sport and the boxers who are the heart of everything we do is the way forward. The WMC website (www.wmtc.nu) is a home for news of shows and events from around the world.

We can honestly say that the WMC is more than just a sanctioning body, it the World Muaythai Family, the only such recognized body in the world.

The sport of Muaythai is apolitical with all races religions and cultures united under one banner. The WMC have always encouraged everyone from all groups to join together in a sporting manner under the same banner.

It is fair to say that the WMC slogan “ONE WORLD ONE MUAYTHAI” has become reality.