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https://www.nationthailand.com/lifestyle/sport/40024590
Thai champ unfazed by Cambodian move to replace Muay Thai with local martial art
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 03, 2023
Muay Thai legend Buakaw Banchamek on Friday asked Thais not to worry about Cambodia’s move to refer to kickboxing as “Kun Khmer”, asserting that Thailand’s martial art is number one.
Cambodia, which would host this year’s Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, sparked controversy when it replaced Muay Thai with Kun Khmer as one of the disciplines.
The National Olympic Committee of Thailand announced on Tuesday that no Thai athletes would compete in kickboxing at the regional games, hosted by Phnom Penh from May 5-17.
“It is their [Cambodia] right,” Buakaw said. “We do not have to worry about it because we are paying more attention to the Olympic level.”
He also denied Cambodian netizens’ claims that he has Cambodian lineage, saying that he was indeed an original Thai person.
Buakaw’s remark is in line with Banchamek Gym’s Facebook post on Thursday, saying he did not have any problem with Kun Khmer or Cambodian netizens.
However, the page also asked Cambodian boxing agencies to pay the remaining 2.2 million baht for hiring Buakaw to participate in recent World Fight Tournament in Cambodia.
Earlier on Thursday, Srey Chanthorn, honorary vice president of the Khmer Boxing Federation, announced that he would give a villa, a car and additional money for 10 years to any Cambodian boxer who could beat Buakaw.
Related stories:
Thailand to boycott SEA Games Muay Thai after Cambodia changes name
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