Thai Boxing - Muay Thai in Thailand

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Thai Boxing - Muay Thai in Thailand

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

Further Information

• Bangkok Sawadee
• International Federation of Muay Thai Amateur
• MuayThai.com