Muay Thai or Thai Boxing is an exciting form of martial arts like no others. Widely known throughout Southeast Asia, it is called Pradal Serey in Cambodia, Muay Lao in Laos, Tomoi in Malaysia and something similar called Lethwei in Burma. Muay Thai has a long history in Thailand and interwoven with the history of the Thai people. Traditional Muay Thai practised today varies significantly from the ancient boxing of Muay Boran and uses kicks and punches in a ring with gloves similar to those used in Western boxing.

Muay Thai is referred to as The Science of Eight Limbs, as the hands, shins, elbows, and knees are all used extensively. A boxer or nak muay therefore has the ability to execute strikes using eight points of contact, as opposed to two points (fists) in Western boxing and four points (fists, feet) used in the primarily sport-oriented forms of martial arts. Historically, Thai people practised Muay Thai to both protect themselves and to fight in war. Thai Boxing is also included as part of the military training.

Muay Thai is by far the most passionately followed sport in the country. Local television networks broadcast matches five days a week and the major matches are reported in all major newspapers. International boxing is equally popular, and the nation has produced dozens of world champions, but they were originally Muay Thai fighters. Most big towns have a boxing ring, but the biggest and most famous stadiums in Thailand are Lumpini and Ratchadamnoen with a show on every night. The fights usually start around 18.30 with shows of younger, less experienced boxers, and the main event, usually starts around 21.00.

Lumpini Stadium:
Rama IV Road, Bangkok Tel: (662) 252-8765, 251-4303, 253-7702, 253-7940
Fight Nights: Tuesdays and Fridays from 6.30 pm, Saturday afternoons 5-8 pm, Saturday nights from 8.30 pm.
Ticket prices: 220, 440, 1,000 baht (ringside)

Ratchadamnoen Stadium:
Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue Tel: (662) 281-4205, 280-1684-6
Fight Nights: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, starting at 6.30 p.m.
Ticket Prices: 220, 440, 1,000 baht (ringside).
**Special Discounts on Sunday nights

Organised tours to the stadium including guide, soft drinks, transport, tickets are available for about 1,700 Baht per person. Contact local tour companies for more details.