03 Jan. 2020

While English boxing is characterized by fists, French boxing by feet and fists, Thai boxing has earned a reputation for permitting virtually any strike. Well, that was before it redefined its rules. Here's everything you need to know about this ancestral martial art and all its secrets…

A National Martial Art in Thailand

Muay Thai is a martial art that draws its origins from the ancestral practices of Muay Biran (traditional boxing) and Krabi Krabong (weapons training). In the West, this combat sport is characterized as a striking art using feet and fists. To fight, the nak-muay (the boxer) uses punches, kicks, elbows, knees, and shin strikes. It is the most popular form of boxing in Southeast Asia. And for good reason—it was the first to earn the title of professionalized national discipline.

Long deemed too violent with potentially fatal consequences, Thai boxing was completely banned in 1921. It returned in 1930 with new rules inspired by those of English boxing. The wearing of gloves became mandatory, as did competition within a ring. Headbutts are now prohibited, as are strikes to the groin. Furthermore, judges must also give particular attention to the technique, agility, and fighting spirit of the boxers in order to score them. Professional Muay Thai today encompasses 13 weight categories. Fights are conducted over 5 rounds of 3 minutes each. Eight points of contact are utilized.

The Ram Muay: A Ritual Dance Before Combat

If you attend a Thai boxing match, you'll surely see the boxers perform a traditional dance before the fight begins. This is a ritual called the Wai Khru Ram Muay. Taking turns, the fighters execute a series of gestures while wearing the mongkon, a cloth worn around the head that demonstrates respect for their trainer and the Thai people. Traditionally, each Muay Thai school teaches its own dances. Among the most renowned are the bird dance, the sword dance, and the Hanuman dance. A small orchestra accompanies the dance and sets the rhythm for the various rounds of the fight.

Between Tradition and Legend…

Muay Thai did not become the national martial art by chance. It is a practice deeply rooted in Thai culture and has been for generations. Indeed, this martial art has been part of military training since the 15th century! It was reportedly adopted following the victory of the Siamese Kingdom of Ayutthaya over the Khmer of Angkor. Its popularity reached its peak in the early 18th century under the reign of Pra Chao Sua. Being a boxer himself, he took pleasure in facing the champions of his time. This naturally inspired the people and established Thai boxing as a favorite activity among the Thai.

Thai boxing also has its share of legends, such as that of Nai Khanom Tom, a Thai soldier and boxer captured by the Burmese in 1767, who reportedly knocked out ten of their champions! Since then, he has been a national hero to whom the Thai pay homage every year on the occasion of Boxer's Night.

As you can see, Muay Thai is an integral part of Thai daily life. And when they're not practicing it themselves, Thais often gather in stadiums or with family to watch match broadcasts on television.

Wishing to attend a Thai boxing match during your stay in Thailand? Discover the best Muay Thai stadiums.

Florine Dergelet

Florine Dergelet

A web writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveler driven by the desire to discover the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, to listen, to understand. For her, traveling is not about checking countries off a map, but about weaving connections (often invisible yet always powerful) with places, peoples, and all manner of creatures in the animal kingdom. Her creed? To advise travelers with ethics, to awaken their awareness of animal welfare, respect for cultures, and the importance of humble and sustainable tourism. Because the most beautiful memories are often born far from the spotlight, in the shadow of a trail, in the midst of a conversation, or in the quiet breath of a world we finally take time to truly listen to…