Hong Kong – February 26, 2025. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Somchai Maruksriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, Mr. Decha Phrukphatthanarak, the Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, Lieutenant Commander Saroj Khomkhai, the Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, Mrs. Marasri Jairangsi, the Secretary-General of the Social Security Office, Mr. Sakdinart Sonthisakyotin, Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, and executives of the Ministry of Labour visited Santichai Fitness on Fa Yuen Street in Mong Kok District, which is one of the fitness centers that teach Muay Thai to Hong Kong residents. Mr. Santichai Kongsaenkaew, the fitness center owner, and his team of trainers welcomed the delegation.
Mr. Phiphat said that the visit to the Muay Thai training center in Hong Kong is a golden opportunity for Muay Thai teachers to receive high-income and permanent residency rights, as follows:
- Starting salary 81,000 Baht/month (after deducting expenses, money can be transferred back to Thailand in full).
- Free accommodation and food.
- For over 7 years of working in Hong Kong, they are eligible to apply for permanent residence in Hong Kong.
- Most clients come to train for exercise. The average cost of training is HK$1,000-1,500 per hour.
“Muay Thai is a high-potential career in the international market, especially in Hong Kong, which is in demand for many Muay Thai teachers. Receiving a professional certificate from the Department of Skill Development will increase the opportunities for Thai workers to have a stable income, legal work, and to receive appropriate worker welfare and protection,” concluded Mr. Phiphat.
Mr. Boonsong Thapchaiyut, the Permanent Secretary of Labour, said that the Ministry of Labour fully supports sending Thai workers to work abroad legally. The Department of Skill Development, which is responsible for training skills and labour skill standards assessment, as well as the Department of Employment, supports the sending of Thai workers abroad. If business operators need boxing trainers, they can coordinate with the Labour Office in Hong Kong.
Mr. Santichai Dongsaenkaew, owner of Santichai Boxing Camp, thanked Mr. Pipat and the Ministry of Labour’s executives for visiting them and for advising the team of Muay Thai teachers working in Hong Kong. He said that they would work hard to build a reputation for Muay Thai and maintain strong professional standards, increasing opportunities for Muay Thai teachers with potential. They also thanked the Ministry of Labour for being ready to fully support Thai workers to work abroad, helping to maintain stable incomes, and providing standard welfare.
