Muay Thai - never die -Thai boxing

Muay Thai - never die -Thai boxing

by Jour ~ Saturday, June 17, 2006

You might have heard about it, or even seen it on TV—the furious punches, crushing elbow strikes, lethal kicks, powerful grappling and artful feints. But nothing compares to seeing them executed to loud cheers and heart-racing tune of an accompanying wind-and-percussion ensemble. Welcome to the exciting world of Muay Thai, a martial art like no others, and a proud heritage of a nation.
The history of Muay Thai is interwoven with the history of the Thai people. A gentle, peace-loving people, for centuries Thais had to defend themselves and their land from aggressive powers. They developed a form of close, hand-to-hand combat best suited for the kind of rough-terrain battle they were fighting. Over time it became a rite of passage for Thai men to take up training in this martial art. King Naresuan the Great (1555-1605), one of the country’s most celebrated warrior-heroes, is believed to have been an excellent boxer himself, and it was he who made Muay Thai a required part of military training. Another milestone in the history of Muay Thai was the triumph of Nai Khanom Tom over 10 Burmese boxers in 1774. Taken captive after the Thai capital fell in 1767, Nai Khanom Tom was picked to fight before the Burmese king. After defeating ten of them in a row, he was freed and returned home a hero.

Lumpini Stadium

It is located to the east of Lumpini Park on Rama IV Road, is Bangkok's second major boxing stadium. Bouts at Lumpini are held on Tuesdays and Fridays at 6.00 pm, and twice on Saturdays at 5.00 pm and 8.30 pm.
It's easy to tell when a fight is in progress by the hundreds of motorcycles parked outside on the road. Ticket prices are similar to those at Ratchadamnoen Stadium and vary according to the seating. Outer circle seats are around 250 baht while a ringside seat can cost from 500 to 1,000 baht depending on the card.

The Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue

It is near the TAT office holds bouts on Mondays at 5.00 and 9.00 pm, Wednesdays at 6.00 pm, Thursdays at 6.00 pm, and Sundays at 5.00 pm. The practice bouts held at 2.00 pm on Sundays are pretty much for the tourists.
Don't get ripped off by touts selling tickets on the street. Only buy tickets from the authorized sellers in the ticket windows at the stadium. Tickets vary in price depending on the seating. Outer circle seats cost around 1000 baht. The Middle seats cost 1500 baht. Ringside tickets cost 2000 baht. A boxing match includes eight fights with a maximum of five rounds each. For more information, call +66 2 281-4205.
The area in the immediate vicinity of Ratchadamnoen Stadium has some of the city's best Isaan (northeastern) food, with popular dishes such as 'som tam' (spicy papaya salad) and 'kai yang' (grilled chicken). Experience the excitement of a Thai boxing match and then find out why Isaan cuisine is so popular all over the country.

Samrong stadium

It is the smallest one in Samut Prakan province, just east of Bangna District, Bangkok. Bouts are held on Sundays and Fridays at 8.30 pm. Strangely, tickets for men cost 220 baht, women just 100 baht.

The cards here are generally smaller than the main stadiums at Ratchadamnoen and Lumpini.