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"Muaythai" is the national sport of Thai society. It has been held for competition continuously since Sukhothai period, between 1257 - 1377 AD. During the reign of King Pha Chao Sua, he disguised himself to box with ordinary people in 1702. "The Tiger King," he loved Muaythai so much that he often fought incognito in village contests, beating the local champions. During the reign of the Tiger King the nation was at peace. The King, to keep the army busy, ordered it to train in Muaythai. The interest in the sport was already high, but now it took off yet again.
In 1774, Nai Khanohm Thom was famous for his battle against a group of Burmese. Nai Khanom Thom was a prisoner of war in Burma. The Burmese had captured him when they sacked and burnt Thailand's ancient capital Ayutthaya. Nai Khanom Thom must have been a great fighter. Without pause, he took them on one by one through a battering and bruising contest. He defeated ten of Burma's best.
King Mangra was one of the first to applaud the feat he had witnessed. "Every part of the Thai is blessed with venom, even with his bare hands he can fell nine or ten opponents." The King gave Nai Thanom Thom his freedom and he returned to Ayutthaya - and a heroes welcome.
Thailand's army fostered the growth of Muaythai. Soldiers have trained and used the techniques for as long as there has been an army in Thailand. For the military it has always been the close combat fighting skill, the martial art of the battlefield. When a Thai soldier fights hand to hand he uses Muaythai. But then so does every Thai person, male or female. Watching it, learning it, copying it is a part of Thai childhood. It always has been.
Muaythai became the favorite sport and pastime of the people, the army and the King. Historical sources show that people from all walks of life flocked to training camps. Rich, poor, young and old all wanted some of the action. Every village staged its prize fights and had its champions. Every bout became a betting contest as well as a contest of local pride. The betting tradition has remained with the sport and today large sums are wagered on the outcome of fights. Muaythai competition was an activity that earned income for boxers throughout Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods.
Up until 1921, the competitions were held on the ground, within a "ring" the width of 20 m. (spectators sit or stood around the boxers to form the boundary). Today, modern style boxing rings are used. The changes that the sport have undergone have been changes to equipment used rather than radical change.
1923 marked the end of the practice of "rope" wrappings used around the knuckles (in place of gloves!) entirely. The police by the interior Ministry prescribed the boxers to wear gloves instead and groin guards, as well. The groin guard later became a triangular shaped pillow, red or blue, tied around the waist with another strap running between the legs.
This innovation was also in response to the growing success of Thai Boxers in international boxing. The groin was a perfectly legal target up until the 1930's. In the early days, the protection was made from tree bark or sea shells held in place with a piece of cloth tied between the legs and around the waist.
The establishment of stadiums, instead of makeshift rings and courtyards, began during the reign of Rama VII - before the Second World War. During the war, they gradually disappeared, but mushroomed again soon afterwards - MuayThai had not lost any of its appeal.
The Thai boxers from "up-country" once again headed toward fame and fortune in Bangkok. The glory could be found at stadiums like Rajdamnern and Lumpinee. Muaythai can be seen live on air on TV Ch3, Ch5, Ch7, Ch9, Ch11, ITV and UBC. The television fight broadcasts rate among the Kingdom's most popular programs. In the provinces, villages cluster around any available TV to watch. In the city, people disappear from the streets while Thailand is watching Muay Thai.
Other's become legends because of a particular skill in the Muaythai art. Like Apidej Sit-Hirun, known as "The Champion of Seven Titles," the most fearful kicker that Muay Thai may ever have seen - he once broke his opponent's arm with his kick strike.
Thai Boxing is also becoming increasingly popular outside of Thailand. It has its enthusiasts and practitioners in the Americas, Australia, Europe, Holland, Finland, Russia and Japan, as well as in many other countries around the world. Training camps have been set up in many countries, creating a large number of professional and amateur Muay Thai boxers, coached by many Thai, as well as non-Thai Instructors.
Dutch Born Ramon Dekker is probably one of the best known European Thai boxers of all time. He has fought against some of the top Thai boxers of his time, including Coban whom he fought twice, knocking out Coban in round one, then in a following bout, being knocked out by Coban in an almost copycat version. He has competed around the world and won several championships throughout his career.
Noted as a skilled fighter with powerful punches and kicks, and a tendency to go head -to-head with his opponents, Dekker is a favorite with the Thai's. Dekker is a very good Muaythai fighter and one who had beaten many Muaythai champions, including Nangpon Nongeeb Pahuyuth for the World Muay Thai Championship in Holland.
Today, there are two international organizations for Amateur Mauaythai: The International Amateur Muaythai Federation (IAMTF) organized the First World Amateur Muaythai Championships in 1995, and the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA), which manages "WORLD CUP" competitions.
Amateur Muaythai fighters wear protective helmets and padded vests. International Professional competition is governed by the World Muaythai Council (WMC) or the Thailand Professional Muaythai Association. Every person associated with Muaythai (Boxers, Promoters, etc...) is protected by these organizations "Laws of Muaythai." There is always a referee posted on the ring for each fight.
Muaythai has become a sport recognized globally for both it's combat effectiveness and rich, colorful history. Muaythai prize fighters are now respected and accepted by the world's communities as the true Professionals that they are.
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