Muay Thai fighters perform the traditional Wai Kru ceremony during a festival for the Thai martial art in Rajabhakti Park in Hua Hin on February 6, 2023, as some 3,360 exponents gathered in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most people taking part in the Wai Kru ritual at once. (Photo by Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP)

Thousands of Thai army cadets, university students and a handful of volunteers performed a record-breaking Muay Thai wai khru ceremony on Monday, all under the watchful eyes of six massive statues of former kings.

The sunset gathering in Hua Hin, part of a Muay Thai Festival in the seaside resort town, broke the previous Guinness World Record of 250 by having 3,660 participants simultaneously performing the traditional pre-match dance of respect for their coach.

Dressed in red uniforms with white Mongkhon headbands, as well as white Muay Kard Chuek ropes - the hemp wrappings fighters wore before gloves - the phalanx of men moved in near perfect unison to the directions of famed Muay Thai fighter Sombat "Buakaw" Banchamek.

"Congratulations, you're amazing," said the official Guinness adjudicator, confirming the record had been broken.

"I feel really proud," said 27-year-old performer Phukrit Purimchaithanat, adding he and his fellow cadets were glad they had pulled it off after months of preparations.

"It's stunning, it's crazy, also in front of the kings and everything," said Hua Hin resident Siena Cruz, as she enjoyed the show with friends.

"The visual is something connected to the tradition," she said.