The Art of Thai Boxing in Bangkok, Thailand

An Art, a Sport, a Method of Self-Defence and an Entertainment

May 13, 2009

Thai Boxing, or Muay Thai to give it its proper name, is gaining world popularity but to experience the excitement of the fans the best place to see it is Bangkok

Most large villages will have some Thai Boxing and all towns and cities will certainly have a stadium. The best Thai Boxing, or Muang Thai to give it its proper name, is to be found in Bangkok.Much skill is needed in the performance and the boxers are permitted to use almost any part of their body – feet, elbows, legs, knees and shoulders.

Before each bout, Thai boxers pay respect to their teachers by performing an intricate dance known only to them. Traditional music is played during the bouts, five three-minute rounds, which raises the excitement to fever pitch.

Ratchadamnoen Stadium in Bangkok

Foreigners (farangs to the Thais) are very fond of this Bangkok stadium but it also attracts many local fans of the sport. Situated on Rachadamnoen Nok Avenue, an area that encompasses many tourist spots, it is possible to explore many of these tourist places before and after the matches. The boxing ring in this stadium first came into service in 1945 and in the generations since, its reputation has grown.

Lumpini Boxing Stadium Bangkok

Established in 1956, later than the stadium on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, this one is on Rama IV Road near Lumpini Park in Klong Toey. Boasting international standards, the stadium has hosted innumerable competitions featuring both Thai and International Boxing bouts.

Bangkok Boxing Stadium and One Songchai Institute of Muay Thai

This is Bangkok’s newest boxing stadium located on Thiam Ruammit Road, and it includes the much needed air-conditioning. It also has state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment to provide authentic MuayThai for both Thai and foreign boxing enthusiasts and students. Visitors can even have their photographs taken in a special studio with their favourite fighters. Thai-Foreign matches are a speciality here as are female Thai Boxers whose bouts always attract a large crowd.

The school attached to the stadium, the Institute of Muay Thai, is a Mecca for many foreigners who want to learn the art/sport under optimum conditions.

Hua Hin Resort 2 hours drive away on the Gulf Coast

A very popular venue with both locals and tourists and open most evenings. A large van with loud-speaker patrols the town before the matches to attract spectators. Set in the midst of the entertainment and eating are of Hua Hin, this is easily accessible and if the events are not to anyone's liking they can make an easy exit back into the main street.

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