Muay Thai (Thai Boxing)

Thai boxing is very popular in Bangkok with most major bouts held at either the Lumphini or Ratchadamnoen stadium. This brutal but graceful martial art has been practised in Thailand for centuries. Past kings are reported to have been champion fighters and one, King Naresuan, introduced the sport as part of military training in the 16th century. Due to the high incidence of deaths during combat, the sport was banned in the 1920s but reintroduced soon after under the more safety-conscious Queensbury rules. Bouts consist of three five minute rounds during which the fighters use every part of the body (except the head) to bludgeon the opponent into defeat. Before the bout begins, a graceful and mesmerising ritual dance named ram muay is performed by both fighters to placate the spirits and show respect to the art and its teachers. Bouts are extremely boisterous, noisy affairs and should be witnessed for the spectacle alone. Be warned though, this isn`t the WWF, the blows are hard hitting, the blood real.

Thai Boxing Venues

Lumphini Boxing Stadium
Rama IV Rd., next to Suan Lum Night Bazaar
MRT-Station "Lumphini"
Tel. 02-251-4303 , 02-252-8765
Fights: Tue & Fri from 06:30pm - 10.30pm
Sat 05:00pm - 08.00pm, 08:30pm - midnight

Ratchadamnoen Stadium
Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue
Tel. 02-281-4205 , 02-280-1684-6
Fights: Mon, Wed, Thu 06:30pm-11.00pm
Sun 05:00pm - 08.00pm, 08:30pm - midnight