Thailand soldiers gathered up to break a world record. Around 3,600 soldiers participated to perform “wai khru”.
Thailand is famous for many things, including their stand-up striking martial art Muay Thai. Many muay thai organizations are headquartered there. Many local people participate in the martial art from various segments to either competing or simply for self-defense. But, a massive number of Thai soldiers have a pretty different goal.
Around 3,600 soldiers gathered to perform a “Wai khru ram muay” or “war-dance saluting the teacher”. It’s some kind of ritual that is commonly performed by muay thai practitioners before they begin tussling in a competition.
This ritual ceremony is pretty simple. Athletes would circle around the arena while praying at each other before bowing their heads at every corner. Then, they begin dancing that is said to be based on Hanuman, a Hindu God. This dance is said to be personal, where athletes performed various movements ranging from simple to complex.
These Thai soldiers are aiming for the world record of wai khru with the biggest participants. They planned to include a total of 5,000 soldiers. However, due to limited space in the venue, only 3,650 soldiers participated. They gathered in Prachuap Khiri Khan, specifically at the Rajabhakti Park in Hua Hin district.
They performed the wai khru in order to celebrate National Muay Thai Day, where they held the Amazing Muay Thai Festival on Monday evening. The Festival itself was set for February 4 to February 6.
The army chief Gen Naronpan Jitkaethae was present along with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Not just them, famous Muay Thai athlete Buakaw Banchamek. Buakaw led 3,650 soldiers to perform the ritual ceremony. After they finished the ritual ceremony, they also did a Muay thai attack form demonstration. Some soldiers went to the front line and demonstrated some techniques.