Wai Kru Muay Thai
The World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony dates back to 2004. In 2018, fighters came from over 60 countries to pay respect to their teachers and masters of Muay Thai.
On the 17th of March, the World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony is held at Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya for fighters to pay their respect, but also to help ensure the art form is being properly preserved and curated for future generations. Many consider Wai Kru to be at the very center of Muay Thai.
The event falls on Nai Khanom Tom Day on the 17th March. A tale of a Muay Thai warrior considered the ‘Father of Muay Thai’. Read TAT’s guide to the Wai Kru ritual and Nai Khanom Tom’s story.
It doesn’t run every year, though. After 2019 it took four years off, came back in 2024 and 2025, and as far as we can tell there wasn’t one in 2026 (Ayutthaya just held its smaller Nai Khanom Tom Day ceremony at his monument).
We recommend the Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony for all Muay Thai fighters and enthusiasts. A significant event in the Muay Thai community not to be missed.
