Muay Thai - The National Sport of Thailand

When we speak of Thailand and sports, the first thing that comes to most people's mind would be Muay Thai which is known as Thai Boxing.

Below is a video featuring the national sport of Thailand, Muay Thai.



History of Muay Thai

Muay Thai history is deeply entwined with the history of Thailand itself. Because of perpetual invasions from neighbouring countries when Thailand was in the process of forming, Thai people depended on their ability to defend themselves. In these early times only short-range weapons such as spears, pikes and clubs would have been available for use in battle. During this kind of hand-to-hand combat, fighting methods can quickly change and the body’s natural weapons such as the head, fists, elbows and feet would necessarily also have been utilised. Undoubtedly, it is the systemised use of these natural weapons, developed as a practical fighting skill for the battlefield that came to be Muay Thai boxing.

Muay Thai also incorporates the Thai culture of respect. Fighters show their respect to their trainers before every matches by doing the wai kru. It is a ritual bow done in the process of the ram muay. The ram muay is a slow, solemn dance. It is said to draw the power of earth, air, fire and water into the body right before a match.

Due the high injury rate, Muay Thai was banned as a national sport in 1920. In 1937 it was revived with new rules added for safety purposes of the fighters. Certain fatal striking moves were even banned as an art of Muay Thai.

Today, Muay Thai has became one of the unique selling point of Thailand apart from its rich culture. And in the main capital, Bangkok, Muay Thai matches are held on every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at the Lumpini Stadium.