Inland Container Depot In Northern Laos To Facilitate Trade With China at Boten Specific Economic Zone, Luang Namtha Province, Laos. (Photo by J&C Group)
Laos recorded total exports of USD 2.77 billion in the early 2026, maintaining steady trade activity despite a slight slowdown in March.
Gold remained the top export, generating more than USD 480 million, followed by potassium salt and electrical equipment. The figures reflect continued reliance on natural resources alongside expanding industrial output.
China was the largest buyer, importing around USD 482 million in gold in 2026, primarily for refining and investment markets.
Potassium salt exports reached USD 299 million, supporting fertilizer production across the region. Electrical machinery accounted for USD 271 million, linked to cross-border supply chains in electronics manufacturing.
Vietnam and Thailand continued to play key roles in regional trade, with exports more focused on agriculture and raw materials.
Vietnam imported around USD 60 million in livestock, including cattle and buffalo, along with sugar and rubber for food processing and industrial use.
Thailand remained a major destination for cassava exports worth over USD 162 million, processed into starch for both food and industrial purposes, alongside smaller volumes of gold and copper used in manufacturing and construction..
Import Side
However, the trade balance narrowed in March and briefly slipped into deficit, driven by a sharp increase in imports, particularly fuel and oil.
Total imports reached USD 2.46 billion during the same period, with significant spending on diesel, gold ore, vehicles, and machinery.
Despite this pressure, Laos maintained an overall trade surplus of approximately USD 310 million, indicating that export growth continues to support the economy.
Compared to the same period in 2025, export performance has improved. Exports stood at USD 2.52 billion in the first quarter of last year, with a higher trade surplus of USD 414 million.
While trade momentum remains steady, rising fuel costs continue to weigh on the country’s trade balance.
Fuel Imports Drive Pressure on Trade Balance
Fuel imports played a central role in shaping Laos’ trade position in early 2026, as rising energy demand pushed overall import spending higher. In March alone, Laos imported a total of USD 183 million of diesel, twice higher compared to January and February.
In the first 3 months of 2026, Diesel imports reached around USD 375 million, accounting for more than 15 percent of total imports. Meanwhile, gasoline imports stood at USD 54.6 million, or about 2.2 percent.
This shows Laos’ heavier reliance on diesel to support transport, logistics, and industrial activity.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 April 2026 – iFLYTEK, a leading Chinese AI and intelligent speech technology company, reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Singapore as the command center for Southeast Asian operations during the second day of Gitex Asia 2026 on April 10. Company executives detailed the firm’s robust local growth trajectory and its approach to navigating the nuanced linguistic landscape of the region.
Founded in 1999 and currently valued at over SGD 20 billion, iFLYTEK has accelerated its overseas footprint since 2019. According to data shared during the event, the company established its Singapore office in 2024 and has already surpassed 10,000 units in hardware sales, generating approximately RMB 200 million (SGD 40-50 million) in revenue. Regional business growth exceeded 200 percent last year, a figure executives described as exceeding internal forecasts.
“Singapore’s National AI Strategy 2.0 positions multilingual capability as fundamental infrastructure,” a company spokesperson stated. “Our advantage lies not merely in translation, but in integrating real-time, mixed-language processing into enterprise workflows—such as our smart notetakers that transcribe and summarize meetings conducted in blended English, Mandarin, and Malay without manual language switching.”
The company highlighted deepening local partnerships, including collaboration with platforms like Shopee for supply chain services, local broadcasters for multilingual subtitle generation, and major transportation hubs for communication solutions.
Addressing concerns regarding workforce displacement, iFLYTEK emphasized a philosophy of augmentation over replacement. “AI handles repetitive mechanical tasks, allowing professionals to focus on context, emotion, and creative strategy—domains where human expertise remains irreplaceable,” the spokesperson noted. The firm is actively supporting workforce transition through internal role re-skilling and user education programs.
On geopolitical shifts, iFLYTEK acknowledged a recalibration of global strategy, noting that while the Middle East remains a key pillar, recent events have prompted an accelerated investment in Southeast Asia. The company projects both its Singapore-based headcount and overall business scale to grow by over 50 percent within the coming year, driven by new product launches in wearable AI and deeper localized development.
In conclusion, iFLYTEK’s deepening investment in Singapore signals more than commercial expansion—it represents a strategic alignment with the nation’s vision for inclusive, multilingual AI. As the company scales its local workforce and product ecosystem, it aims to demonstrate that technological progress and workforce empowerment can advance in parallel across Southeast Asia.
Hashtag: #iFLYTEK
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Significant reductions in energy consumption, CO₂ emissions, and operating costs for energy-intensive industries
Growing demand highlights strong market potential for sustainable heating technologies
NUREMBERG, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 21 April 2026 – Innomotics, a globally leading supplier of electric motors and large drive systems, is advancing the decarbonization of industrial heat processes with its solutions for industrial heat pumps. By electrifying the heat process, companies can significantly improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and lower long-term operating costs.
Industrial heating is one of the largest contributors to global energy consumption, with more than 70 percent of process heat still generated from fossil fuels. Industrial heat pumps offer a highly efficient alternative by upgrading ambient and waste heat to usable temperature levels of up to 150°C. This makes them a key technology for reducing CO₂ emissions and achieving global climate targets.
The electrification of heat processes is a critical step in industrial transformation. Heat pumps deliver thermal output several times higher than the electrical energy input, making them one of the most efficient technologies for converting electricity into heat. When powered by renewable energy, CO₂ emissions can be virtually eliminated.
Innomotics provides a comprehensive portfolio of high- and low-voltage motors as well as medium-voltage drives to ensure reliable and efficient operation of heat pump compressors. The systems are designed for maximum availability, enabling operation for up to five years without scheduled shutdowns, and can be seamlessly integrated into existing industrial processes.
In addition to environmental benefits, operators gain from significantly lower operating costs, reduced maintenance requirements, and system availability of up to 99.9 percent. Industrial heat pumps also enable new opportunities for waste heat recovery and integration into district heating networks.
A flagship example is the largest heat pump system in the Netherlands, where heat is recovered daily from 65 million liters of treated wastewater. With Innomotics solutions, the system supplies district heating to around 20,000 households, covers approximately 15 percent of regional heat demand, and reduces CO₂ emissions by about 30,000 tons annually.
“Industrial heat pumps are a key technology for the energy transition and energy addition. They enable efficient use of existing heat sources while significantly reducing emissions. With our drive solutions, we provide the foundation for a sustainable and economically viable heat supply in industry,” says Michael Reichle, CEO of Innomotics.
He adds, “Operators are under pressure to make their processes both more efficient and more sustainable. Our technologies offer a scalable and economically a very attractive solution that supports the transition to electrified, low-carbon industrial operations.”
Recently awarded industrial heat pumps projects
Innomotics supplies key drive technology for world’s largest industrial heat pump at BASF, Germany: Innomotics GmbH has received a major order from Piller Blowers & Compressors GmbH to deliver 11 water-cooled HV M high-voltage motors and GH180HC medium-voltage converters. The systems will be deployed in the world’s most powerful industrial heat pump at BASF in Ludwigshafen.
Designed specifically for the requirements of PILLER and BASF, the Innomotics solutions combine compact design, high efficiency, and long-term reliability. The heat pump system will generate up to 500,000 tons of steam per year, while the water-cooled drive technology ensures low noise emissions and efficient, continuous operation.
Largest heat pump system in the Netherlands supplies 20k households with sustainable district heat The Dutch energy company Eneco is pursuing climate neutrality by leveraging aquathermal energy from wastewater to supply district heating networks in Utrecht and Nieuwegein. At the core of the Netherlands’ largest heat pump system, advanced motor and drive solutions from Innomotics enable the recovery of heat from around 65 million liters of treated wastewater per day. This results in a highly efficient and sustainable solution: approximately 30,000 tons of CO₂ emissions are saved annually, around 20,000 households are supplied with district heating, about 15 percent of Utrecht’s heat demand is covered, and 27 MW of thermal energy is generated.
Innomotics powers wastewater-based district heating in Amiens, France: With high-performance motor and drive solutions from Innomotics, Amiens Énergies is transforming treated wastewater into sustainable district heating. At the core of the system, 24 compact SD motors drive six large ammonia heat pumps, generating 18 MW of clean heat and supplying around 26,800 households.
By recovering thermal energy from 8.5 million m³ of wastewater annually, the solution reduces CO₂ emissions by approximately 41,000 tons per year while enabling a renewable energy share of over 70 percent. The robust and efficient Innomotics motors ensure reliable continuous operation under demanding industrial conditions, making the project a benchmark for climate-neutral urban heating.
Innomotics enables efficient industrial heat pump operation in Finland: At a major industrial heat pump installation in Finland, Innomotics supplied advanced drive technology to increase overall plant efficiency in a connected paper mill.
Innomotics delivered a variable frequency drive for a centrifugal compressor, supporting a 6.1 MW motor (6.6 kV, 2-pole). The system recovers process heat and feeds it back into operations, improving efficiency while reducing energy consumption and emissions.
Significant reductions in energy consumption, CO₂ emissions, and operating costs for energy-intensive industries
Growing demand highlights strong market potential for sustainable heating technologies
NUREMBERG, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 21 April 2026 – Innomotics, a globally leading supplier of electric motors and large drive systems, is advancing the decarbonization of industrial heat processes with its solutions for industrial heat pumps. By electrifying the heat process, companies can significantly improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and lower long-term operating costs.
Industrial heating is one of the largest contributors to global energy consumption, with more than 70 percent of process heat still generated from fossil fuels. Industrial heat pumps offer a highly efficient alternative by upgrading ambient and waste heat to usable temperature levels of up to 150°C. This makes them a key technology for reducing CO₂ emissions and achieving global climate targets.
The electrification of heat processes is a critical step in industrial transformation. Heat pumps deliver thermal output several times higher than the electrical energy input, making them one of the most efficient technologies for converting electricity into heat. When powered by renewable energy, CO₂ emissions can be virtually eliminated.
Innomotics provides a comprehensive portfolio of high- and low-voltage motors as well as medium-voltage drives to ensure reliable and efficient operation of heat pump compressors. The systems are designed for maximum availability, enabling operation for up to five years without scheduled shutdowns, and can be seamlessly integrated into existing industrial processes.
In addition to environmental benefits, operators gain from significantly lower operating costs, reduced maintenance requirements, and system availability of up to 99.9 percent. Industrial heat pumps also enable new opportunities for waste heat recovery and integration into district heating networks.
A flagship example is the largest heat pump system in the Netherlands, where heat is recovered daily from 65 million liters of treated wastewater. With Innomotics solutions, the system supplies district heating to around 20,000 households, covers approximately 15 percent of regional heat demand, and reduces CO₂ emissions by about 30,000 tons annually.
“Industrial heat pumps are a key technology for the energy transition and energy addition. They enable efficient use of existing heat sources while significantly reducing emissions. With our drive solutions, we provide the foundation for a sustainable and economically viable heat supply in industry,” says Michael Reichle, CEO of Innomotics.
He adds, “Operators are under pressure to make their processes both more efficient and more sustainable. Our technologies offer a scalable and economically a very attractive solution that supports the transition to electrified, low-carbon industrial operations.”
Recently awarded industrial heat pumps projects
Innomotics supplies key drive technology for world’s largest industrial heat pump at BASF, Germany: Innomotics GmbH has received a major order from Piller Blowers & Compressors GmbH to deliver 11 water-cooled HV M high-voltage motors and GH180HC medium-voltage converters. The systems will be deployed in the world’s most powerful industrial heat pump at BASF in Ludwigshafen.
Designed specifically for the requirements of PILLER and BASF, the Innomotics solutions combine compact design, high efficiency, and long-term reliability. The heat pump system will generate up to 500,000 tons of steam per year, while the water-cooled drive technology ensures low noise emissions and efficient, continuous operation.
Largest heat pump system in the Netherlands supplies 20k households with sustainable district heat The Dutch energy company Eneco is pursuing climate neutrality by leveraging aquathermal energy from wastewater to supply district heating networks in Utrecht and Nieuwegein. At the core of the Netherlands’ largest heat pump system, advanced motor and drive solutions from Innomotics enable the recovery of heat from around 65 million liters of treated wastewater per day. This results in a highly efficient and sustainable solution: approximately 30,000 tons of CO₂ emissions are saved annually, around 20,000 households are supplied with district heating, about 15 percent of Utrecht’s heat demand is covered, and 27 MW of thermal energy is generated.
Innomotics powers wastewater-based district heating in Amiens, France: With high-performance motor and drive solutions from Innomotics, Amiens Énergies is transforming treated wastewater into sustainable district heating. At the core of the system, 24 compact SD motors drive six large ammonia heat pumps, generating 18 MW of clean heat and supplying around 26,800 households.
By recovering thermal energy from 8.5 million m³ of wastewater annually, the solution reduces CO₂ emissions by approximately 41,000 tons per year while enabling a renewable energy share of over 70 percent. The robust and efficient Innomotics motors ensure reliable continuous operation under demanding industrial conditions, making the project a benchmark for climate-neutral urban heating.
Innomotics enables efficient industrial heat pump operation in Finland: At a major industrial heat pump installation in Finland, Innomotics supplied advanced drive technology to increase overall plant efficiency in a connected paper mill.
Innomotics delivered a variable frequency drive for a centrifugal compressor, supporting a 6.1 MW motor (6.6 kV, 2-pole). The system recovers process heat and feeds it back into operations, improving efficiency while reducing energy consumption and emissions.
Leading Property Management Toward Automation and Transformation
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 April 2026 – Hong Kong property technology (PropTech) startup NineSmart, participated in the international innovation and technology event InnoEX, jointly organised by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau of the HKSAR government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. As a proud participant of the Smart City Consortium’s “SCC Smart Living Pavilion”, NineSmart showcased its latest developments in PropTech, drawing attention from numerous industry professionals and visitors.
NineSmart Booth at InnoEx2026 Showcasing PropTech Solutions
Show Highlights: Upgraded Smart Property Management Solution Demo
At InnoEX, NineSmart highlighted its upgraded Smart Property solution, featuring multiple innovative functions to enhance resident experience and property management efficiency. Their Smart Intercom system now includes voice-to-text feature, allowing visitors to simply speak the resident’s unit number to the intercom panel. The system connects to the resident’s app for direct conversation and remote door unlocking, improving access convenience and unmanned management feasibility without compromising security.
For access control, Smart Property enables residents or visitors to scan a QR code on the elevator panel to select and go to multiple designated floors simultaneously, optimizing traffic flow while enhancing security. The Smart Mailbox feature also became a showstopper, equipped with a motion sensor to instantly detect mail delivery. When mail arrives, the system pushes real-time notifications via the app, allowing residents to stay informed without frequent mailbox checks.
On-Site Reactions: Innovations Win Visitor Praise
Visitors were impressed by NineSmart’s innovative applications. A visitor noted, “The Smart Mailbox provides instant notifications for new mail, which is extremely practical for daily life – it prevents missing important letters, which is truly impressive.” An industry peer added, “NineSmart continuously optimizes its product features to meet the actual needs of the Hong Kong market and property management sector.”
Future Development: Driving Automation and Unmanned Operations
NineSmart co-founder, Lucas Mo Tsun-Ming, stated, “We will continue to deepen our Smart Property solutions, focusing investment on automation, transformation and unmanned operation technologies to help the property management industry boost operational efficiency amid labor shortages and evolving management demands.”
Currently, NineSmart serves multiple property developers and renowned property management firms, with business spanning new residential projects, retrofitting access systems for old buildings, as well as campuses, clubhouses and commercial offices – committed to advancing smart living and smart city development in Hong Kong.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
NineSmart Limited
NineSmart is a leader in property technology, specialising in IoT and AI-driven solutions that transform property management. We are dedicated to developing and deploying innovative solutions for smart building automation and digital transformation to comprehensively optimize management efficiency. As a Cyberport incubatee, NineSmart is dedicated to creating innovative, sustainable, and user-centric smart living experiences. Visit ninesmart.io to learn more.
BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 April 2026 – The Beijing Chaoyang Garden Festival is now in full swing, transforming the district into a living tapestry of blossoms. Apinya Charunpumhiran, a Thai expert with the China International Communications Group and a social media influencer, recently immersed herself in the festival, capturing its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural charm. From the vibrant floral landscapes to the bustling waterfront market, she experienced first-hand the springtime allure of Chaoyang District and the Oriental romance of Beijing as a garden city.
The seasonal spectacle is anchored by the establishment of a Garden City Demonstration Zone, an initiative by the Chaoyang District government to reimagine urban living by weaving nature into the fabric of the city. In this seamless blend of city buzz and natural calm, residents and visitors can experience the best of all worlds: nature, culture, and the comfort of a refined lifestyle.
To experience this vision firsthand, Apinya set out to explore some of the festival’s most captivating spots. Her journey began at Beixiaohe Park, where the brilliant cherry blossoms were in peak bloom. The park’s enchanting “flower goddess” performance and adorable cherry blossom-themed robots added a playful touch to the serene landscape. Apinya then traded land for water at the “cherry blossom waterway,” where she tried her hand at rowing a traditional sculling boat. Drifting gently on the rippling water with a soft breeze, she found that admiring the cherry blossoms from the boat offered a uniquely romantic perspective.
Leaving the waterway behind, her next stop was Yuan Dynasty City Wall Relics Park, home to over ten thousand crabapple trees across more than fifty varieties. In Chinese culture, the crabapple is often used as a metaphor for feminine beauty. Liu Hui, a staff member at the Park, introduced her to the midget crabapple, the most widely planted variety in the park. Native to China, it is renowned for its delicate fragrance, a trait that sets it apart from other crabapple and has earned it high praise from ancient scholars and poets.
From radiant cherry blossoms to crabapple blooms, the festival showcases the boundless vitality of spring in Beijing. Reflecting on her experience, Apinya observed that through its garden city initiative, Chaoyang District has successfully turned its picturesque natural environment into both a driver of economic growth and a source of everyday quality of life.
Hashtag: #ChinaNewsService
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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 April 2026 – The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) and the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) successfully co-hosted the HKICPA x IFAC PAIB Conference on 18 April 2026 at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. Under the theme “Forging what’s next – PAIBs at the helm of change,” the event featured star-studded lineup of guests and attracted over 300 financial leaders and professional accountants in business (PAIBs) from Europe, Asia, and other regions, including representatives from the UK, France, the Netherlands, Japan, and Indonesia, alongside those from our local community, to discuss the role of PAIBs in leading future transformation amidst rapid technological shifts and a complex geopolitical environment.
Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government (Fifth from Right), Stephen Law, HKICPA President (Fifth from Left), Josephine Okui Ossiya, Chair of the IFAC PAIB Advisory Group (Fourth from Right) and Dr. Kelvin Wong, Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission (Fourth from Left), Michael George Fitzgerald, Finance Director of the MTR Corporation (Third from Right) and other distinguished guests gather for a group photo at the HKICPA x IFAC PAIB Conference.
This landmark event gathered important stakeholders from multiple sectors, showcasing the depth of industry collaborations: The event marked the first visit of the IFAC Professional Accountants in Business Advisory Group to Hong Kong in over 20 years. Chaired by Stephen Law, the first PAIB to serve as President of the HKICPA in more than a decade, the event successfully established a high-level platform for international exchange. This further underscores the Institute’s unwavering commitment to bridging international standards with local business practices.
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, attended the event as the Guest of Honour. He said that geopolitics, technological disruption and the green transition are reshaping global business and finance. They are key forces redefining competitiveness.
Mr. Chan noted that Hong Kong is well positioned to benefit under “one country, two systems,” offering stability and connectivity amid global uncertainty. He pointed to strong IPO activity, asset management growth, and deeper integration with the Chinese Mainland under the 15th Five-Year Plan.
He outlined two major strategies: “AI+” to integrate artificial intelligence across industries, supported by talent development initiatives; and “Finance+” to expand financial markets, strengthen the ecosystem, and support innovation and technology firms. Efforts include enhancing listing regimes, promoting green finance, and attracting global capital and enterprises.
Mr. Chan also stressed the need for accountants to enhance AI capabilities, understand geopolitical risks, and uphold professional integrity. He concluded that professional accountants will play a critical role in navigating change and sustaining trust in markets.
HKICPA President Stephen Law emphasized the unique “super connector” role of Hong Kong and the HKICPA’s nearly 50-year partnership with IFAC in his welcoming remarks. He remarked: “As the common language of the business world, accounting plays an indispensable role in international commercial activities. PAIBs are often uniquely positioned to help enterprises turn uncertainty into decisions and strategy into performance. Moreover, given our unique position—backed by the Motherland while staying deeply connected to global markets—allows Hong Kong to act as a ‘super value-adder’ for businesses and investors to create value and manage complexity. The Institute will continue to actively host more international conferences and professional exchange activities to expand the global network of Hong Kong’s accounting profession.”
The Conference gathered an impressive lineup of international and local leaders, including IFAC Chief Executive Officer Lee White, who delivered a video remarks, Josephine Okui Ossiya, Chair of the IFAC PAIB Advisory Group, Dr. Kelvin Wong, Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and Michael George Fitzgerald, Finance Director of the MTR Corporation.
SFC Chairman Dr. Kelvin Wong offered forward-looking insights into the future development of the financial center, while Finance Director of MTR Corporation Michael George Fitzgerald explored strategic leadership and the evolving responsibilities of finance leaders. Two panel discussions convened core financial leaders from sectors including the Government, infrastructure, real estate, hospitality, energy, and fintech. Senior financial and administration executives from InvestHK, MTR Corporation, Hang Lung Properties, Sino Group, State Grid Overseas Investment, Miramar Group and Floating Interest Corporation joined the stage to discuss strategic approaches to navigating uncertainty. The sessions underscored that PAIBs are at the forefront of addressing complex business challenges, driving innovation, and upholding robust corporate governance.
Looking ahead, the HKICPA will continue to promote accounting as international business language through multifaceted international collaborations. This includes deepening our partnership with IFAC and organizing further international conferences and professional exchanges, while enriching a suite of professional development resources. The HKICPA remains committed to fostering knowledge exchange between Hong Kong’s PAIB community and their global counterparts, with a strategic focus on empowering members with future-ready skills. By providing comprehensive support to PAIBs, the HKICPA aims to assist finance leaders in embracing innovation and strengthening organizational resilience.Hashtag: #HKICPA #IFAC #PAIBs
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Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants
The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“HKICPA”) is the statutory body established by the Professional Accountants Ordinance responsible for the registration for certified public accountants (CPAs), professional training and development of CPAs in Hong Kong. The Institute is also a standard setter of the local accounting industry. The Institute has over 47,000 members and about 12,000 registered students.
Our Qualification Programme assures the quality of entry into the profession, and we promulgate financial reporting, auditing, ethical and sustainability disclosure standards that safeguard Hong Kong’s leadership as an international financial centre.
The CPA designation is a top qualification recognised globally. The Institute is a member of and actively contributes to the work of the Global Accounting Alliance and International Federation of Accountants.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 April 2026 – Thailand successfully hosted the 2nd Thailand Kickboxing World Cup from April 9–11, 2026, at the Thai–Japanese Youth Center (Wes Arena 1) in Bangkok, drawing more than 1,500 athletes and officials from 32 countries.
The event was organized by the Kickboxing Association of Thailand (KAT) in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO). Conducted under international standards, the tournament highlighted Thailand’s growing capability to host large-scale global sporting events.
Over three days of competition, athletes competed across multiple weight divisions and disciplines under WAKO rules, providing a platform for international competition and athlete development. The event also enabled Thai athletes to compete alongside leading international fighters, reflecting the continued progress of the sport at the national level.
Taweedech Thong-on, Director of the Events Division at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said Thailand’s selection as host for a second consecutive year reflects international confidence in the country’s event management capabilities. He added that the tournament contributes to raising the global profile of kickboxing in Thailand, while supporting youth athlete development and promoting sports tourism through international media exposure.
Phai Likk, President of the Kickboxing Association of Thailand, said the success of the tournament represents an important step in elevating Thai kickboxing on the international stage. He noted that beyond competition, the event reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen the sport’s development system, from grassroots participation to elite performance, while reinforcing Thailand’s role in the global kickboxing landscape.
Building on the success of the World Cup, the Kickboxing Association of Thailand also launched KATPRO PROFESSIONAL KICKBOXING, the country’s first structured professional kickboxing league, on April 11 at the same venue.
The inaugural event featured seven bouts with fighters from more than 10 countries and was conducted in line with international professional standards, including official weigh-ins and pre-fight face-offs.
KATPRO PROFESSIONAL KICKBOXING represents a key milestone in the development of a structured professional kickboxing league in Thailand, integrating sport and entertainment within a unified framework. The platform aims to elevate competition standards, event management, and the commercial value of the sport, while creating new professional pathways for Thai athletes and strengthening connections to international competition.
The successful staging of both events not only reflects Thailand’s readiness to serve as a hub for global kickboxing competitions, but also underscores a clear development trajectory for the sport—from grassroots and amateur levels toward a more defined professional system.
Hashtag: #ThailandKickboxingWorldCup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About the Kickboxing Association of Thailand (KAT)
The Kickboxing Association of Thailand is the national governing body for kickboxing in Thailand and a member of the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO). KAT oversees athlete development, national-team selection, and the organization of domestic and international competitions, including the Thailand Kickboxing World Cup and the KATPRO Professional Kickboxing league.
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