On 17 February 2026, Khon Kaen University (KKU) and the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen academic and research collaboration in sports science and technology for Muay Thai. The partnership aims to sustainably elevate Muay Thai to international standards through the integration of research, innovation, and evidence-based sports science.

The signing ceremony took place at the Sarasindh Meeting Room, 2nd Floor, Sirikunakorn Building, Khon Kaen University, and was honoured by the presence of executives from both KKU and SAT, 8 regional partner organisations, and members of the press.  

The MOU was signed by key executives from both organisations: Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., the President of Khon Kaen University, and Assoc. Prof. Pensri Jaroenwanit, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization. Representing the Sports Authority of Thailand were Mrs. Prodpran Sanammit, Deputy Governor for Professional and Boxing Sports, and Ms. Pornmesa Pannoi, Head of Boxing Sports Supervision.

   

Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., the President of Khon Kaen University, emphasised that this collaboration marks a significant step in promoting professional athletic pathways for youth while enhancing global recognition of Thai sports.

“By integrating knowledge in sports science, the collaboration between the university and the sports sector aims to further internationalise Muay Thai,” the President said. “We are confident that this MOU will lead to comprehensive cooperation across education, research, and management, ultimately creating new innovations for the domestic Muay Thai and sports science sectors, reaching international standards.”

Assoc. Prof. Pensri Jaroenwanit, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization. explained that the Memorandum of Agreement is valid for three years and focuses on five key areas:

1. Promoting academic collaboration, studies, and research related to Muay Thai.
2. Developing the potential of sports science personnel, coaches, and athletes.
3. Organising academic activities, conferences, seminars, and knowledge exchange forums at national and international levels.
4. Boosting the health and physical fitness of boxers and the public using sports science principles.
5. Promoting Muay Thai as a cultural art and a high-potential national sport. 

 

Partnership Network and Soft Power

Beyond the principal agreement, the ceremony included the signing of Letters of Intent (LOI) demonstrating support for the collaboration by 8 regional partner organisations: the Tourism Council of Thailand, the Roi Kaen Sarasin Group, the Northeastern MICE Industry Association, the Chamber of Commerce of the Central Northeastern Provincial Cluster, the Khon Kaen Provincial Cultural Council, the Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce, the Khon Kaen Tourism and MICE Association, the Khon Kaen Provincial Muay Thai Sports Association, and Kampan Muay Thai.

The involvement of these eight network partners reflects a broader integration of cooperation, encompassing sports, education, culture, tourism, and the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) industry. This comprehensive effort is designed to jointly propel Muay Thai as both a national ‘Soft Power’ asset and a creative economic driver for the region.