Thai Ambassador to Qatar H E Sira Swangsilpa
Doha, Qatar: The Embassy of Thailand in Qatar revealed that cultural performances featuring Thailand’s traditional martial art, Muay Thai, will soon grace the Cultural Zone at Expo 2023 Doha.
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Qatar H E Sira Swangsilpa told The Peninsula that these performances are set to take centre stage during the winter season.
“We submitted a proposal to join the event for short term/long term, and the organisers are considering. We’ll have cultural performances especially the Thai boxing martial arts that can be shown at Cultural Zone especially during the winter,” the envoy said.
Muay Thai, commonly known as Thai boxing, holds a significant place in Thailand’s cultural heritage. This martial art, developed around the 13th century, and was initially used by Thai soldiers when they were not fully armed.
Over time, Muay Thai has evolved and refined its techniques, with some strikes developed in its early history now considered forbidden, particularly those that target the joints and the back of the head. Often referred to as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” Muay Thai involves the use of fists, feet, elbows, and knees.
When asked whether a delegation from Thailand would share best practices on sustainability during Expo 2023, Ambassador Swangsilpa said that they don’t have yet a confirmation. Previously, the embassy had expressed its intention to invite Thai speakers to engage in discussions related to smart and green farming.
The six-month long Expo commenced on October 2 and will run until March 28, 2024 at Al Bidda Park carrying the theme “Green Desert, Better Environment.”
Ambassador Swangsilpa also emphasised Thailand’s role in promoting sustainability on a global scale. He highlighted the significance of Thailand’s adoption of the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy model, which was introduced by the Thai Government as a strategic approach to national development and post-pandemic recovery. The BCG model is rooted in the application of science, technology, and innovation to leverage Thailand’s comparative advantage in biological and cultural diversity, transforming it into a competitive edge.
“For the best practice of sustainability, Thailand plays an important role in global arena as we reiterate the BCG Economy (Bio-Circular-Green) principles,” the envoy stressed.
The BCG model focuses on four key sectors: agriculture and food, wellness and medicine, energy, materials, and biochemicals, as well as tourism and the creative economy.
Its goal is to ensure the sustainability of biological resources, bolster grassroots economies, enhance the competitiveness of Thai BCG industries, and foster resilience to global changes. This model is anticipated to bring sustainability and inclusiveness to Thailand’s economy, society, and the environment.
