Muay Thai, known as Thai Boxing is, curiously, the country’s national sport, being Thailand a Buddhist country famous for its peaceful people. Also known as “The Art of the Eight Limbs” because contestants can use the hands, shins, elbows, and knees creating a devastating fighting style. Thai Boxing has proven very effective by its power, conditioning and simplicity.

DRAMA AND SPORTS
	DRAMA AND DANCE
	KHON
	LAKHON
	LIKAY
	MUAY THAI

Developed over 1000's of years, has origins in the antique battlefield of the Siamese army. In the second half of the 20th century Thai Boxing was exported to numerous countries, nowadays hundreds of thousands of people practice this sport all over the world. Television networks transmit fights everyday and important fights results are reported in all major newspapers.

Muay Thai is fought in a ring with gloves comparable to those used in Western boxing, separated in five three-minute rounds with two-minute breaks in between. The match is decided by a knockout or by points. During the fight, A Javanese clarinet, drums and cymbals are used to play traditional music, adding excitement to the event.

Before the fight, each contestant performs a Wai khru ram muay, it is a form of Wai Kru and is an action of respect from Thai Boxers to their teachers. The Ram Muay is done throughout a succession of gestures and movements performed in rhythm to a musical accompaniment.

Most regional capitals have boxing rings, but the most popular are Lumpini and Ratchadamnoen stadiums.

Ratchadamnoen Stadium, is the first Muay Thai stadium in Bangkok
Opening hours: Monday and Wednesday at 18:00, Thursday at 17:00 and 21.00, and Sunday at 16:00 and 20:00 hours
Address: 1 Ratchadamnoen Nok Road, 10100 Pomprap, Bangkok
Telephone: (662) 2814205

Lumpini Stadium, probably the most famous stadium, it is one of the few places in Thailand where betting is permitted
Opening hours: Tuesday and Friday at 18:00, and Saturday at 17:00 and 20.30 hours
Address: Rama IV Road, Bangkok
Telephone: (662) 252-8765, 251-4303, 253-7702, 253-7940

« Back to Traditional Drama and Sport