On 12 August 2009, the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv, together with the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA) and IFMA Israel, held the 1st Israeli-Thai Friendly Muaythai Match in Modiin, Israel. The match, which will be televised on the Israeli EGO channel, was held to deepen cultural relations between Thais and Israelis and promote awareness and interest in Muaythai as a valuable martial arts sport.