Today is a very special day in the Muay Thai world. It is Grand Master Ajarn Chai’s 70th birthday! Grand Master Ajarn Chai founded the World Thai Boxing Association (WTBA) in 1968 and was the first person to teach Muay Thai in the United States. For the last 50 years, he has been traveling around the country and world teaching the art of Muay Thai and is solely responsible for what it has become today.

In honor of Grand Master Ajarn Chai’s birthday, every October 16th the WTBA celebrates “Teacher’s Day”. This day is set aside for students to honor their teachers who instruct in the art of Muay Thai. A traditional gift of flowers, 1 candle, 3 sticks of incense, rice and fruit in a bowl is often given on this day.