Dr Sakchye Tapsuwan, president of the International Federation of Muaythai Amateurs (Ifma), submitted the Thai martial art's bid to the GAISF assembly yesterday at the Grand Intercontinental Hotel in Seoul.

A total of 72 GAISF members at the meeting voted in favour of muay Thai becoming a full member of the association, thereby enhancing the sport's reputation around the world and opening up the possibility of it being included in future Olympics.

After yesterday's meeting, GAISF president Hein Verbruggen immediately flew to Thailand to inform HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn of the federations' approval. The Crown Prince has asked Privy Councillor Pichit Kullavanij to play host to Verbruggen at his residence this evening at the Kavila Military Camp in Chiang Mai.