History
The history of Muay Thai mingles remarkably with the history of the country. The Thais had to defend their country from the marauding powers. This prompted them to develop a form of close, hand-to-hand combat which was suitable for the kind of battle they were fighting.
Another landmark in the history of the game was the triumph of Nai Khanom Tom over 10 Burmese boxers in 1774. Held captive after the fall of the Thai capital in 1767, Nai Khanom Tom was chosen to fight in the presence the Burmese monarch. He inflicted defeat on ten of them in a row, and returned home victoriously.
Crossing Boundaries
The sport has gained popularity even outside Thailand. World Muay Thai Council was set up in 1995 to promote this national heritage at national and international levels. At a conference held in that very year, 78 member countries voted for the foundation of a training school where all elements of Muay Thai would be taught. The Muay Thai Institute was established in 1997.
Global Passion
The Thais have huge passion for the sport. The fights are broadcasted by television networks five days a week, and the results of the fights held at major stadiums are reported in all major newspapers. The country has produced several international boxers, but they all started as Muay Thai fighters.
The Fight
Muay Thai bouts are fought in five three-minute rounds with two-minute breaks in between. The fighters, wearing a headband and armbands, perform wai khru dance before the fight. The dance proved a good warm-up exercies. Tourists fill up a sizable chunk of the seats on fight nights at major stadiums, especially at Lumpini and Ratchadamnoen.
