Muay Thai Boxing - Bangkok, Thailand
What is it - For centuries, the Siamese people were devoted to the use of a special form of fighting known as Muay Thai. The warriors of the kingdom of Ayutthaya whose capital was located north of present-day Bangkok used it in combat beginning in the 15th century. After the fall of Ayutthaya to the Burmese in 1767, it became a symbol of the devotion of the Thai people to independence and martial skills. Muay Thai matches remain the most popular sporting activity in the nation’s cities and the countryside. Just as Europeans are dedicated to soccer and Americans are dedicated to baseball, basketball, and football, it has become an important part of the Thai culture.
Visitors to Bangkok who are curious about the rituals and nature of these contests can see newcomers and national champions compete at the nation's two top stadiums located in the capital. The New Lumpinee Boxing Stadium which seats about 5,000 people has adult matches on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, while the Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium offers contests on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. There are usually about 10 bouts held each evening organized by weight class. Each bout consists of five 3-minute rounds which seem to grow in intensity as the fight develops. While the adult fighters wear gloves on their hands, Muay Thai combatants make extensive use of the elbows, feet, and knees to deliver blows. Points are awarded for each blow, but knockouts occur as well.
Three aspects of the matches are interesting to observe. First, there are elaborate rituals associated with each bout. Before the match begins, the fighters often attach various good luck charms to their bodies, pay respect to their opponent and engage in various dances in the ring as a warm-up. Second, a small band consisting of some oboes, flutes and drums play a rhythmic melody throughout each round which the fighters seem to use to choreograph their movements and blows. Finally, betting is allowed at the arena on each match and it continues during the fights with some participants particularly those sitting in the third-class grandstand placing bets back and forth right up to the last round. The most expensive seats are ringside, but most westerners enjoy the second-class seats nearby where refreshments are served, and you get an excellent view of the action taking place in the ring and all around you.
Interesting Facts - There has been some controversy within the country about the violence of Muay Thai contests and allegations of corruption at fights. AnAfter an effort to outlaw it decades ago was abandoned. Instead, , public events and private training were continued with the understanding that there would be greater protection for fighters. In recent years, concerns have been raised about the thousands of children of all ages who train daily and participate in Muay Thai fights for pay and prestige in their communities. Just as there has been increasing focus in the United States on the damage suffered by young athletes from concussions, relentless training and recruiting abuses, the ethics of having children participate in Muay Thai is questionable. At present, however, it remains a popular pastime in Thailand just as boxing and MMA events continue to attract crowds in the US Thai boxing has developed a wider following in other parts of Asia, but the country has been unsuccessful in getting the sport included in the Olympics. There are moves which are easily recognizable from other Olympic sports such as boxing, Greco-Roman wrestling, and karate, taking place all at once to the rhythms of the music.
How to get Here - Bangkok remains one of the world's top tourist destinations and can be reached from all over the world on major air carriers. Once you are in the city, you can take a long taxi ride to either stadium, ride the air conditioned Sky Train to a nearby stop and walk from there, or book a tour to bring you to the event.
When to go - Matches are conducted year-round except on a few religious or national holidays. Both stadiums are indoor facilities, so weather is not a factor.
Cost - Second class seats with amenities such as waiters will generally cost you about 1,800 baht which is the equivalent of about $20 a person.