©
David Debrincat
Thailand Travel Guide
©
David Debrincat
It's a sport which is undeniably popular, Thai boxing. A trip to Thailand is the ideal place to attend a fight or even to get yourself started in this martial art, and why not get in the ring.
If during your trip to Thailand, you decide to give yourself the challenge of finding a Thai person who doesn't smile, your search risks being long. To help you in your search, go to the sides of boxing rings. You will see that once in there, the fighters immediately lose their smile.
In Thailand, Thai boxing, called Muay Thai is much more than a simple sport. Here it is elevated to the ranks of an institution. It's the national sport and the best boxers are true national heroes, idolised by the entire nation.
In comparison with classic English boxing which is more well-known in Europe and in which only fists are used, Thai boxing is much more intense and spectacular. As well as their fists, boxers can strike with elbows, knees, and legs.
Before the match starts and the fighters are getting ready to take a beating, they must do a prayer to the rhythm of the music before the gong is struck. This looks like a type of dance where body language is very important. The last moments of delicacy before several rounds of merciless fighting.
If you decide to go to one of these fights, and it really is a must see even if you aren't enthusiastic about boxing, prepare yourself to have a unique experience. Thai boxing is a monument of local culture that it is absolutely necessary to discover.
You can go to fights almost everywhere in the country. The best meetings take place in Bangkok or in Chiang Mai. In the capital, the best venues are Lumphini and Ratchadamnoen. Rather than keeping your distance, get as close as possible to the ring. There you'll be amongst hysterical betters who are shouting their passion, punctuating the most impressive strikes. The show is as much around the ring as inside it.
The most enthusiastic amongst you will be able to sign up to workshops from a few days to several months. Some tourists only come to Thailand for that. The best ones will even be able to face a Thai boxer in a meeting. There is a rumour about this which says that so as to not discourage the foreign boxers who come to spend large amounts of money on classes here, their Thai opponent has been ordered to let them win.
