Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, is one of the fastest growing forms of martial arts in the world. This traditional Thai spectator sport is considered to be one of the country's most popular cultural events.
Phuket Boxing Stadium in Sapan Hin location map
A featured match is held on every Friday at the Phuket Boxing stadium and it pulls huge crowds. Each bout is inaugurated by ceremonies and a lot of bets are placed around the arena, where fans keep the air alive with tension.
Once the Thai boxing begins, the fast and furious action of the fight is matched by the wild cheers and the loud, frenetic musical accompaniment of percussion instruments.
The entire process of boxing training revolves around the master and the disciple, and it involves a lot of rituals. Before a match, the boxers participate in a ceremonial dance called the 'ram muay', while performing they wear a band on their head that is gifted by the person who trains them. It is considered to be sacred and earning it requires years of dedicated practice. The beginning is always with three bows by the boxer as a sign of respect for the master and this is referred as wai-khru. Each bout has 5 rounds of 180 minutes each and this is accompanied by wild fans and drum beats with blows permitted anywhere other than the head. Fighters use all parts of their body to hit the opponent and the punches are said to be the weakest blows.
Muay Thai originated in the 15th century in Burma. Nai Khanom Tom was the first popular Thai boxer and was believed to solely beat 12 Burmese warriors for the freedom of the country. The sport has come a long way from the ancient times to the modern era but the violent nature has been existent all through. This form can also be learnt while you are on a holiday in Phuket.
Muay Thai is an exemplary form of art and requires constant determination and practice.
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