A packed Central World Convention Hall was transformed into a giant stage for the curtain-raiser of the flagship International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) event.

Athletes from 102 competing countries paraded, as well as the IFMA refugee team and IFMA neutral athletes - those from Russia and Belarus who have been allowed to take part without their flags following the invasion of Ukraine.

Prince Nawaphansa Yugala was among those in attendance with the biggest cheer reserved for the athletes from host nation Thailand.

IFMA President Sakchye Tapsuwan welcomed the delegations and the World Championships were officially opened by Vitch Devahasdin, the secretary general of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand.

The athletes' oath was read by Hattan Al-Saif from Saudi Arabia and Mohammad Hasan from the refugee team.

Bogdan Rybka from Poland performed the officials' oath and Thai national coach Bonsong Nualyong read the coaches' oath.

The World Championships are due to take place from today until May 12, with IFMA celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

A Muaythai Festival is running alongside the event which is expected to attract 20,000 visitors every day at the Central World shopping complex, the ninth largest in the world.

Muaythai activities will take place every day, including the National Muay Kita Championships featuring youth teams.

Muay kita is a discipline which sees competitors perform to music in traditional costumes.