Siam Park welcomed a genuine Muay Thai legend to Tenerife as Buakaw Banchamek made his first visit to the Canary Islands for the Thai Soul Fest – Muay Thai Edition 2026.
The event combined martial arts, food, fashion and traditional performances, turning the Thai-themed water park into a celebration of Thai culture.
Not a bad way to spend a day, particularly if you happen to be a fan of kickboxing.
More Than 150 Fighters Take Part
The event included a Muay Thai masterclass led by Buakaw, alongside exhibitions involving more than 150 registered fighters.
The demonstrations received support from kickboxing federations in Spain and the Canary Islands, as well as the International Federation of Muaythai Associations.
The event was organised through a collaboration between:
- Siam Park.
- Thai Muang Siam Canarias Association.
- Thailand’s Office of Commercial Affairs.
- Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion.
The aim was to showcase Muay Thai while introducing visitors to different aspects of Thai culture.
Thai Culture Beyond the Ring
There was plenty happening away from the fighting area, with visitors able to enjoy traditional dance performances, Thai fashion shows and a selection of Thai cuisine.
Kornkamol Anekamai, director of Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion, highlighted the importance of events like Thai Soul Fest in introducing Thai identity and culture to new audiences.
She also noted the role these activities play in strengthening links between Thailand and the Canary Islands.
Christoph Kiessling, vice president of the Loro Parque Group and Thailand’s honorary consul in Santa Cruz, also praised the event.
“We not only celebrate Thailand’s national sport with a legendary figure like Buakaw Banchamek but also open a window into the identity of a nation that is part of our DNA,” he said.
Siam Park’s Connection with Thailand
Siam Park provided a fitting setting for the event, given its Thai-inspired architecture, landscaping and cultural influences.
The park is recognised as one of the largest representations of Thai culture outside Thailand, making it a natural location for an event combining martial arts and national traditions.
During their time in Tenerife, Buakaw and his team also visited Loro Parque and explored some of the island’s scenery.
They stayed at the Hotel Botánico & The Oriental Spa Garden, which has received multiple awards as Europe’s Best Spa Hotel from Condé Nast Johansens.
So, between the Muay Thai masterclass, Thai food, cultural performances and a visit to some of Tenerife’s better-known attractions, it seems the trip offered rather more than a quick appearance at a water park.