Muay Thai & Other Sports
Bangkokians are avid sports followers, enjoying the excitement of many sports and games. Through sports in the West Like snooker, soccer, golf, American football, volleyball, tennis and badminton are very popular, traditional sports, pastimes and games still play an important role in their lives. These include Thai boxing, takraw, kite flying and fighting, and cock, fish, and insect fighting. Since most Thais are inveterate gamblers, during many sporting events, there is usually as much activity on the sidelines as on the field. Wagers could be on a boxer, a cricket, or a kite.
Credit Photo: thairath.co.th
Thai Boxing (Muay Thai or Simese Kick Boxing)
It is not uncommon for foreign visitors to Bangkok to come across a group of Thais crowding around television sets at night watching the latest boxing match. Thai boxing, or Muay Thai, attracts the most attention of the Thai people. Your visit to Bangkok will not be completed if you do not see at least one Thai boxing match. Although boxing matches are regularly televised, attending the live event is a thing not to be missed. Thai boxing is almost universally regarded as today's most exciting ring sport. It is considered by many to be the most violent martial art compared with Japanese Karat, Korean Taekwando, and Chinese kang Fu. A boxing stadium is normally a noisy crowded arena, full of spectators cheering and screaming supports for their favorites. Each fight start with both corners performing a ritual, honoring and paying homage to their teachers (Ruam Muay Thai).
Credit Photo: siamsport.co.th
A match consists of five rounds, each of which lasts there minutes with a two-minute break between rounds. The bout is normally accompanied by the music of a three-instrument orchestra (drums, cymbals and flute). The music rises and falls with the action taking place in the roped ring. Apart from using their gloves, boxers are allowed to use their feet, legs, knees, elbows, shoulders, or any other parts of the body, except the head, to overcome their opponent. A winner is awarded for a knock-out or a points decision given by a panel of judges. There are two boxing stadiums in the city: Ratchadamnoen Nok Road (near the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Office), and Lumphini Stadium on Ramintra Road (near Central Ramintra, which moved from Rama IV Road). Events take place at Ratchadamnoen Stadium on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and at Lumphini Staduim on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. However, interested visitors are advised to check in advance for information on venues, time and ticket prices. (Credit: Tourism Authority of Thaialnd)
