The History of Muay Thai
The Sport of Kings

When and how Muay Thai evolved is not exactly certain. Most of what we know comes from Burmese accounts. When Ayuddhaya was invaded by the Burmese army most of Thai history was lost, including the history of Muay Thai. However, it has always been said that the history of Muay Thai is the history of the Thai people. Without doubt Muay Thai was and always will be a great Thai achieve.

Most sources agree that Muay Thai began as a close combat battlefield fighting skill. Thailand’s troops were trained in Muay Thai and still are to this day. In olden days many disputes were resolved through Muay Thai bouts, even National issues.

In 1584 under the power of King Naresuan in the time known as the Ayuddhaya period, Muay Thai as a sport began its uproar. By this time every solders was trained in the combat battlefield fighting style known as Muay Thai. New fighting techniques were evolving and the king himself trained in the sport.

The change continued under Prachao Sua, The Tiger King. Prachao Sua loved Muay Thai very much. All his shoulders were experts and he was known to fight in village contest, beating the local champions. During the reign of the Tiger King the nation was at peace. Muay Thai was becoming increasingly popular; everyone wanted to learn the sport of their Nation. Rich people, poor people, young people and old people all the Thai people contributed to the growth of Muay Thai. All the villages held fights and honored their champions. Betting soon became a popular ritual.

During the reign of King Rama V fighters were rewarded with military titles from the King. These matches were known as Royal Command fights and at the time were very prized and respected titles. During this period Thai Boxing camps were set up. Potentials from up country were requited and trained as fighters, some becoming champions. Match Makes arranged bouts for big prizes and honor. Fights did not take place in a ring like today, any available space was used. Courtyards, village clearings anything of the right size. Later King Rama VI introduced the ring and time keeping by clock. Before time was kept by floating a pierced coconut in a bucket of water, when the coconut sank that signaled the end of the round.

Muay Thai was part of school curriculum right up to the 1920’s. At this time it was banned due to an increasing number of injuries. This ban paved way for new Muay Thai Gyms and clubs to open up, continuing the influence of Muay Thai on the Thai culture.

One of the main influences in the transformation of the sport was the Tiger King. The Tiger king evolved not only fighting styles but also equipment. In early days fighters hands and forearms were bound with strips of horse hair. This was worn to protect the fighter and inflict pain to weaken his opponent. Later hemp ropes or starched strips of cotton replaced the horse hair. Some matches with the agreement of both fighters a ground glass and glue mixture was spread on the strips.

In 1930’s the rules and regulations of today were introduced. Ropes were replaced by gloves, weight divisions and 5 min rounds were innovated.

Then came World War II and Muay Thai Gradually disappeared. After the war the sport came back stronger the ever. Fighter from up country returned to Bangkok in hopes of fame and fortune. Huge stadiums like Rajdamnern and Lumpinee hosted fights for thousands. Television started broadcasting fights for millions to see. Muay Thai was at its prime.

The old timers who fought before the Second World War saw the change Muay Thai had taken much differently then others. They fought “all comers” no weight divisions, and the fight was not over till one of them dropped.

With all the change Muay Thai has seen it has never lost its fascinating allure. Muay Thai is and will continue to be the dominate standup martial art. Superior to other forms such as Kung Fu, Taekwando, Karate and any style of kickboxing.

Muay Thai in Thailand today is much the same as in the past. People still gather in villages and around televisions to watch and bet on bouts. The streets are even known to clear while Thailand is watching Muay Thai. Muay Thai is on the rise in other countries such as Canada, U.S.A., Japan, Australia, Europe and many other countries around the world. The growth of Muay Thai will continue generation after generation. This growth will give birth to more and more great fighter, champions and coaches.