Thai Boxing - Muay Thai in Thailand

Information on the ancient martial art of Muay Thai also known as Thai boxing. Includes an overview of the rules of Thai boxing as well as contact details for places to go and see Thai boxing matches.

Thai boxing or Muay Thai is an ancient martial art, well known throughout the world. Lately many people have been coming to Thailand to learn how to fight Muay Thai.

Muay Thai (Thai Boxing)

An internationally known sport, Muay Thai has been practised since the era of King Naresuan (1555-1605), during which Muay Thai became a compulsory part of the military training.

A Muay Thai match consists of five three-minute rounds with a two-minute break in between. Before each match, contestants perform a Wai Khru dance, in which the boxers pay respect to their trainers. Each boxer wears a headband (mongkhol) and an armband. The headband is taken off by the trainer after the Wai Khru, but the armband is removed after the match finishes. Both items will have been blessed by monks and are believed to offer protection and good luck.

Boxers may use their elbows, feet and their knees as well as gloved fists. A match is decided by knockout or if there is not a knockout, three judges decide who wins. A referee controls the boxers and ensures their safety.

For more information on the history and other aspects of Muay Thai from the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur: Click here

The basic rules in a Thai boxing match

Each match consists of five rounds of three minutes each
There are breaks for two minutes between each round
Boxers must wear non-modified gloves
A gum shield can be worn
No shirt or shoes are allowed
An ankle cup may be worn
No metal accessories are allowed

Where and When to See Thai Boxing

There are several places one may go to see Muay Thai matches.

Lumpini Stadium
At: Rama IV Road, Bangkok
Tel: 02 252 8765
Fight nights: Tuesdays and Fridays 18:30; Saturdays 17:00
Ratchadamnoen Stadium
At: Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue
Tel: 02 281 4205
Fight nights: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays 18:00
Channel 7 Stadium
At: Behind the old Northern Bus Terminal (Morchit), opposite Chatuchak Park
Tel: 02 272 0201
Fight nights: Sundays 13:30; third Wednesday of the month 12:00
Samrong Stadium
At: Samrong Road, Samutprakarn
Tel: 02 393 3592
Fight nights: Fridays and Sundays 18:30
Omnoy Stadium
At: 74 Moo 12 Tumbon Omnoy, Amphoe Krathumbaen, Samutsakorn
Tel: 02 420 4317
Fight nights: Saturdays 11:45
International Stadium, Chachoengsao
At: 23/22 Moo 6 Thepkunakorn Road, Tumbon Sothorn, Amphoe Muang, Chachoengsao
Tel: 03 882 1746
Fight nights: Sundays 16:00