When you think about this winter you flight tickets to Thailand bookable, with of course one of the many hotels in Bangkok, but don't want to visit the touristy Buddhist temples, floating markets and massage parlours, consider a Thai boxing match in Bangkok!
Thai boxing, better known perhaps as Muay Thai, is the national sport for a reason! Get ready for an unforgettable night of kickboxing, if you dare…
Millennial sports
At first glance, Thai boxing may look like a well-known tourist trap, but nothing could be further from the truth. This martial art was used even by the ancient kings to settle their differences. The discipline was compulsory for soldiers who fought in the reign of Naresuan the Great in the late 16th century.
Muay Thai was part of the training of young people until 1920, but the many injuries forced the authorities to ban it. However, in 1930 Muay Thai came back after some radical new rules in boxing, with the use of a boxing ring, gloves and different weight classes. And Thailand's growing tourism opened its doors to an international audience.
omsak suwanput / Shutterstock.comA very complete sport
The Muay Thai that is now practiced. differs somewhat from the ancient martial art. The gradual evolution in the sport has changed the art, although the technique has largely remained the same. The resemblance to western boxing is the use of protective gloves. Thai boxing combines ancient kicking techniques (circular movements), the use of the elbow (only in certain professional leagues), the knee and the punches of boxing. The two opponents must therefore be very vigilant in this sport, as things can quickly go wrong.
Discover Bangkok around a ring
Muay Thai is also an opportunity to explore Thailand's culture and ancient traditions, far from the clichés of movies starring Jean-Claude Van Damme! To attend a Thai boxing match, it is best to book a seat at the Lumpineen Boxing Stadium and Ratchadamnoen Stadium. Unlike other boxing halls in Bangkok, these two places are not only visited by tourists but also by many Thai enthusiasts of this sensational sport.
BkkPixel / Shutterstock.comLumpinee Boxing Stadium
Admission: From 200 baht for standing places to 2.000 baht for places near the ring.
Location: No.6, Ramintra Rd, Anusawaree, Bangkok (grab a taxi).
Opening hours: Tuesday and Friday: 18:30 PM – 23:00 PM, Saturday: 16:00 PM – 20:00 PM & 20:15 PM – 00:00 AM.
In the top photo, there is indeed fighting without gloves. The so-called “Kard chuek” where the hands are only taped. Fortunately, the Thais love tradition and that is why "muay boran" is still honored
Long ago, boxing was done with gloves containing broken glass. Long ago.
Here's another nice article discussing the values of muay thai in Thai society.
https://www.thailandblog.nl/sport/muay-thai/muay-thai-afspiegeling-thaise-mannelijke-identiteit/
I don't quite understand why the films of JC Van Damme are mentioned here...
He does not practice Muay Thai, but a mix of Kung fu and (mainly) karate!