Thai Boxing originated from the days of warfare between
Myanmar and Thailand in the 15th Century, and it is said
that this form of fighting was used to settle matters
outside the battlefield. Legends has it that Nai Khanom Tom,
Thailand’s first famous boxer, won his freedom from the
Burmese by defeating a dozen of his enemies in a fight held
before the Burmese court.
Muay Thai became an integral part of military training for
all Thai soldiers in the 16th Century. And the then King
Naresuan, was further promoted as a national sport in the
18th Century by King Phra Chao Seua, who enjoyed taking part
incognito in many matches in the early part of his reign.
Today Thai Boxing is still incorporated into Thai military
training and has been adopted by elite military units in
other armed forces. This form of unarmed combat is slowly
being recognized as one of the ultimate hand to hand combat
forms by many martial art exponents.There are over 60,000
professional Thai boxers in Thailand and the sport is very
popular with the local population. There are dozens of
matches held daily, in addition to the presentations put up
for tourists as an after dinner program.
The best Muay Thai is to be seen at Bangkok’s two main
boxing stadiums, the Sanam Muay Lumphini on Th. Phra Ram IV
and the Sanam Muay Ratchadamnoen on Th Ratchadamnoen. Both
venues carry an aura of prestige that no other venue or
competition held elsewhere can equal. Winning a championship
title in any of the two stadiums is the dream of a boxer and
his trainer. When you are visiting Phuket, do not missing
the best stadium in Phuket Town and Patong area, both of
them are offering the real matches that are very popular in
the town. Spent the night time with the art fighting become
a championship. |
