PATTAYA, THAILAND – A new health project in Pattaya combined traditional Muay Thai with modern aerobics in a community fitness program.
City launches culture-focused health project
The “Muay Thai Aerobic Dance” project was officially launched on 6 January 2026 at Pattaya City School 6, located at the Wat-Thammasamakee temple. The opening ceremony was led by Damrongkiat Pinijkarn, deputy mayor of Pattaya.
The initiative was organised by the Wat Thammasamakee community and funded by Pattaya’s Health Security Fund. Its aim was to promote regular physical activity while keeping the traditional martial art Muay Thai visible as cultural heritage.
Accessible movement for all generations
City executives, including deputy senior officials, and representatives of local communities attended the opening. The president of the Wat Thammasamakee community outlined the goals of the program.
At the core of the concept was the integration of typical Muay Thai movements into accessible aerobic choreographies. In this way, sport was intended to become part of everyday life for people with different abilities and at various stages of life.
Residents of all ages join first sessions
Numerous residents, including schoolchildren, young people and senior citizens, took part in the first activities. The highlight was a dynamic aerobic session shaped by Muay Thai techniques.
Organisers reported visible joy, a sense of community and noticeable physical effects among participants. The event showed how traditional elements of the national sport could be turned into a low-threshold offer for everyday use.
City underscores long-term health policy
In his speech, deputy mayor Damrongkiat Pinijkarn underlined Pattaya’s health policy orientation.
“Pattaya recognises the importance of health promotion at all levels so that residents can enjoy strong physical and mental health.”
said Pinijkarn, deputy mayor of Pattaya.
He added that creatively using Muay Thai in exercise programs should help improve quality of life and develop Pattaya into a sustainable city of wellbeing.
“By adapting Muay Thai, a cherished part of our cultural heritage, we want to improve quality of life.”
said Pinijkarn, deputy mayor of Pattaya.
Temple, authorities and volunteers as partners
The event was supported by the Wat-Thammasamakee temple, relevant government agencies and numerous local volunteers. According to the organisers, the atmosphere was marked by laughter, motivation and a strong sense of community.
The event was reported by Ms. Siraprapa Thongsamut, with photos by Ms. Chinanang Chumchuea and Mr. Thanapong Unmak from the Public Relations Division of Pattaya City’s Tourism and Sports Office.
Strengthening local health work and culture
With the start of the program, Pattaya sent a clear signal that it intended to integrate physical activity more firmly into residents’ daily lives. The linkage of public health, schools, community work and cultural preservation was expected to have a lasting impact.
According to those involved, the project was designed to promote regular physical activity, raise awareness of Muay Thai as cultural heritage and build a sense of community across generations. They stated that, from the outset, the initiative demonstrated how health promotion and cultural identity could be brought together in an urban setting.