Between 30 April-3 May 2021, the Royal Thai Embassy in Dakar organized a special Muay Thai training course at Djiko Budo Club in Rufisque, a suburb of Dakar. The event was co-organised by the African Center for School and University Complementarity and Promotion (CACSUP). Master Boo, a famous Muay Thai boxer from Saengathit Gym in Thailand, conducted the training through the ‘Zoom’ teleconference system.

The event has drawn wide attention and interests from local people, with about 50 enthusiastic young Senegalese, women and men, joining the training, along with some expats in Senegal. The event was also live-streamed on Facebook of the Royal Thai Embassy for viewing by the public audience. It also received press coverage from leading Senegalese media e.g. Le Soleil newspapers and local TV and radio stations.

Ambassador Nipon Petchpornprapas and Mr. Alioune Mar, Mayor of Rufisque, along with Mr. Ibrahima Eloi Sarr, President of CACSUP and Mr. Mouhamed El Moctar Diop, President of the Senegalese Federaton of Karate and Martials Arts, attended the event. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Nipon highlighted the importance of sports, particularly Muay Thai, which is Thailand’s national sport and martial arts, in the promotion of bilateral relations and cultural exchanges between Senegal and Thailand at the people-to-people level. Some well-known Senegalese athletes were also present at the closing ceremony to witness the event and presented certificates to the trainees.

The Royal Embassy of Thailand will organise another special Muay Thai training course at Olympique Club, Dakar on Sunday 9 May 2021 from 10.00-12.00 hrs. It will also be livestreamed on Facebook.