Monthly Magazine : March 2010
Muay Thai : The Fighting Pride of Thailand
Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, has a long and flourished history as Thailand’s national heritage. It is a hard and lethal martial art, born out of the necessity of war and defense. Commonly referred to as the Science of the Eight Limbs, Muay Thai is world-renowned for its ferocity and use of the hands, shins, elbows, and knees as deadly weapons. The Thais, who are paradoxically a gentle and peace-loving people, developed and mastered it to protect themselves and the land from aggressive powers in the past.
Although various forms of kickboxing have long been practiced throughout Southeast Asia, none are as prominent as Muay Thai. Its origins can be traced back to its ancestor Muay Boran (ancient boxing), which was a form of unarmed combat used by Siamese soldiers in the past. Trained in the weapons-based fighting method known as Krabi Krabong, these soldiers also became famous for their toughness in close-quarters weaponless combat. Muay Boran changed across the years, evolving from a battlefield combat system, into the national sport of Muay Thai known today.
The practice of Muay Thai was preserved largely by Buddhist monks, who have been the keepers and instructors of all arts both practical and spiritual. Since every Thai man is compelled to become ordained as a monk at least once in his lifetime, the art grew in popularity amongst the common people. Though still functioning as an art of practical combat in warfare, Muay Thai became a sport in which opponents fought in front of spectators for entertainment. These contests gradually became an important part of local festivals and celebrations, which were usually held at temples. Muay Thai has since remained the kingdom’s most popular spectator sport to date.
Up until the 1930’s, Thai boxers simply fought bare-knuckled or with hemp rope bound over their fists. Due to the high number of deaths within the ring, the Thai government had to introduce new rules to protect the safety of the fighters. Currently, Muay Thai regulations require fighters to wear safety gear similar to those used in Western boxing matches. Sanctioned bouts consist of no more than five rounds; each round lasting three minutes. Accompanying each fight is a musical ensemble, playing Thai traditional instruments to the rhythm of the fight. The traditional music changes its pace in order to increase the atmosphere of excitement for both the spectators and the fighters.
Currently, there are more than 65,000 professional Muay Thai boxers within the kingdom of Thailand. Many of them are poor peasant farmers who begin training when they are as young as six years old, risking injury and undergoing hardship for the chance to compete. For the rural populace, Thai boxing has long been considered a means for providing a living. It has been said that any man of considerable worth must be proficient in Muay Thai.
Developed in a devoutly Buddhist society, Muay Thai is governed by ritual and tradition, and many fighters practice mediation as an important part of their training. One of Muay Thai’s most sacred rituals is Wai Khru, which translates as “paying respect to teachers”. This ritual consists of graceful dance-like movements, bowing, and hand gestures to show the fighters reverence to their teachers, parents, and things which they hold sacred. It is also a prayer for their safety and victory, while at the same time functions as a pre-fight warm-up – preparing the boxer’s body and mind. Official Muay Thai regulations specify that both competitors must perform Wai Khru before each and every bout.
The legendary tale of Thailand’s Muay Thai hero, Nai Khanom Tom is a testament of the importance of the Wai Khru ritual and of the ferocity of Thai boxing. During the fall of the ancient Siamese capital of Ayutthaya in 1767, the invading Burmese troops had captured a group of Thai residents from the province of Sing Buri. Among those held prisoner, were a large number of experienced Thai boxers.
Seven years later, in the Burmese city of Rangoon, King Mangra of the Burmese decided to organize a religious festival in honor of the Buddha’s relics. He decided to hold a tournament to see how Muay Thai would compare to its Burmese counterpart, Lethwei. Nai Khanom Tom was selected to fight against the Burmese champion, and according to legend, he preformed a traditional Wai Khru pre-fight dance to pay his respects to the Burmese king, as well as for all the spectators. Dancing around his opponent, the Burmese people became amazed and perplexed at the ritual, and when the fight began, he charged out and pummeled the Burmese fighter effortlessly. A judge had ruled, however, that the Burmese champion had been too distracted by the Wai Khru, and the knockout was ruled invalid.
The Burmese king decided to settle the problem and challenged Nai Khanom Tom to fight nine other Burmese fighters consecutively to prove himself and earn his freedom. He agreed and fought them all, working his way through each fighter, until finally none stood in his way. King Mangra was so impressed that he remarked, “Every part of the Thai is blessed with venom.” Nai Khanom Tom was then granted his freedom along with the choice of either riches or two beautiful Burmese wives. Legend has it, he chose the wives and said that money was easier to find. He then departed with his wives and fellow captives back to Siam. His spectacular feat is celebrated throughout the kingdom every March 17th as “Boxer’s Day” or “National Muay Thai Day” in his honor and that of Muay Thai’s.
Thai boxing matches are broadcasted on television five days a week and can be watched live in Bangkok at either Lumpini or Ratchadamnoen stadium. Tickets can range from as low as 220 Baht to 1,000 Baht, depending on seating arrangements; however on big fight nights, the prices of tickets usually double. Fights begin at around 6:30 PM, starting with preliminary bouts and build up towards the main event, usually at around nine o’clock. Hotels and travel agents can generally be of assistance in booking tickets for major fights in advance.
So far, the sport has attracted a huge following outside of the kingdom, and training facilities have been set up in countries as far as the United States and Russia. Recently popularized in movies such as Ong-Bak and Tom-Yum-Goong, Muay Thai has experienced a resurge of international interest. Prospective fighters travel from all corners of the globe to train in Thailand’s authentic Muay Thai boxing camps. The Muay Thai Institute in Rangsit was specifically established to preserve and promote Thai boxing and make it accessible to all. The staff instructors are all former champions, hold at least a bachelor’s degree in physical education, and are able to speak English.
Muay Thai, the fighting pride of the Thais is an ever-growing art. Once practiced exclusively by the ancient warriors of the Siamese kingdom, it is now accessible to all – emerging as a tradition honored throughout the world.
Lumpini Stadium
Rama IV Road, Bangkok
Tel: (662) 252-8765, 251-4303, 253-7702, 253-7940
Fight Nights: Tuesdays and Fridays from 6.30 P.M.,
Saturday afternoons 5-8 P.M., Saturday nights from 8.30 P.M.
Ticket prices: 220, 440, 1,000 Baht (ringside)
Ratchadamnoen Stadium
Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue
Tel: (662) 281-4205, 280-1684-6
Fight Nights: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, starting at 6.30 P.M.
Ticket Prices: 220, 440, 1,000 Baht (ringside); special discount on Sunday nights
International visitors who wish to learn Thai boxing can contact:
The Muay Thai Institute
336/932, Prachathipat, Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani 12130
