There are ceremonies where officials hand out equipment with the detached formality of bureaucrats checking boxes, and then there are Monday mornings when local government remembers its purpose — investing in youth one boxing glove at a time.
Pa Mok Municipality delivered a full set of Muay Thai equipment and financial support to young athletes on January 20. The presentation serves dual purposes that politicians often promise but rarely deliver: keeping kids away from drugs while preserving Thailand’s ancient fighting art for another generation.
Police Colonel Ronakorn Wongphumani, mayor of Pa Mok Municipality, along with the executive committee, presented warm-up suits and complete equipment sets to young boxer Patthawee Deeprasert, along with coaches Siriporn Pudpong and Kanoksat Phongsatttha. The young fighter represents Pa Mok Municipality at the 40th National Local Government Organization Student Games, the “Sri Kesa Games,” held in Si Sa Ket Province from January 21 to 26.
The mayor and executives offered words of encouragement and financial support to the athletes and coaches. They also delivered a heavy bag to Pa Mok Community School at Wat Pa Mok to promote sports development, strengthen physical health, and support youth exercise activities for sustainable benefit.
The Muay Thai equipment presented includes boxing gloves, training pads, heavy bags, shin guards, and related gear — tools that allow students to train properly and safely while developing both physical and mental potential.
The equipment donation aims to support sports activities in schools, encourage productive use of free time, keep youth away from drugs and vice, and preserve the art of Muay Thai for future generations. It’s the kind of investment that doesn’t make headlines but might keep a kid in the gym instead of in jail.
The school expressed gratitude to the supporting agencies and confirmed the equipment will be used to maximum benefit for children and youth in the area. Whether young Patthawee returns from Si Sa Ket with medals or lessons, Pa Mok Municipality has already won something more valuable — another generation that knows the old art isn’t just about fighting, but about discipline, respect, and having somewhere to belong.
