Apr 22

Watching Muay Thai in Bangkok

By Richard Barrow Email

Sunday 22nd April, 2007 | 296 words | Category: Bangkok | 9 feedbacks »

Muay thai

For those of you coming to Thailand on holiday, I highly recommend that you don’t miss an opportunity to go and see a Muay Thai match in Bangkok. There is nothing like it on earth. Thai Kick Boxing, as it is sometimes known in the West, is distinctly different to other forms of boxing because eight limbs are allowed to be used. Namely: hands, shins, elbows and knees. But, it isn’t this alone that will entertain you as there is also live music which rises in pitch as the kicks and punches become more furious.

Muaythai_2

There are a number of stadiums around Bangkok, but the latest and most modern is the Bangkok Boxing Stadium in Huaykwang. They have muay Thai fights here every Saturday between 2.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. When I went yesterday I saw that the first two hours were broadcast live on Channel 11 and included some pretty exciting matches. Thai boxing is very intensive not only to take part but to watch too. There is a lot of crowd participation as they shout in rhythm to each of the blows. Encouraging the boxers to hit harder.

Muay thai

You cannot say you have been to Thailand until you have experienced a Muay Thai match. This is definitely in the top 10 for attractions to see in Bangkok. I highly recommend the Bangkok Boxing Stadium as I had a really enjoyable afternoon watching the fights. I will definitely go again. I have more pictures to share with you this week as well as some intensive video clips that I took from ringside. Many thanks to Khun Siraphon Ratanasuban for inviting me to the match. For more information on how to visit the stadium please visit their website at bangkokboxingstadium.com.

Do you have any questions about Thailand? Maybe you are planning a holiday or just want to learn more about Thai culture. Have all of your questions answered for free at ThailandQA.com. These forums are part of the family friendly Paknam Web Network.

« Ram Muay at a Thai Boxing MatchBecoming a Cell Boss in a Thai Prison »
Comment from: Jeremy Email
I love your photos. Can't wait to watch your videos.
2007-04-22 @ 22:44
Comment from: Graham Email
This is very useful because last time I was in Thailand I wanted to see Muay Thai but only knew about Lumpini stadium, which I gathered is no longer the real boxing stadium, but is now more a tourist show. I didn't go in.
2007-04-23 @ 16:32
Comment from: Richard Barrow Email · http://www.richardbarrow.com
Yes I agree, Lumphini just got too greedy and only looks for tourist dollars these days. The Bangkok Boxing Stadium is not well known by foreigners (it is not even in the Lonely Planet yet) and is apparently owned by the number 1 boxing promoter in Thailand. It is his own personal project. The fights I saw were major players and were broadcast live on television. Later fights were juniors and women boxers which weren't broadcast. Up to you whether you want to stay the full 4 hours or so.
2007-04-23 @ 16:57
Comment from: Joe Average Email
Songchai is the owner of the Bangkok Boxing Stadium and has had all sorts of problems getting people to pay to watch the fights. Also, he's far from being the number one promoter in Thailand nowadays - he's in the top twenty on a fairly long list.
2007-04-25 @ 14:33
Comment from: Pat Email
I went to Lumpini in January - ive been ringside at several world title fights outside thailand - and I can say it is not just about tourism, some great fighters that night and Raja and Lumpini stadium champs are the yardstick by which other muaythai fighters are measured by.
2007-07-29 @ 22:39
Comment from: jean claude Email
i dunno why i am not on here because i am the uk champ two years running so can u please get back to me on this subject
2007-12-17 @ 16:30
Comment from: Jessica
*****
Hi! Thanks for the great info. How much is a ticket usually? Can I get them at the stadium?
2008-08-06 @ 07:19
Comment from: Richard Barrow Email · http://www.richardbarrow.com
These stadiums in Bangkok charge a lot for foreigners. Usually 1,000 baht or more. However, upcountry would be cheaper.

Have your questions answered for free by a team of experts on our forums www.ThailandQA.com
2008-08-06 @ 13:45
Comment from: Dan Lyons · http://fightingspiritgym.com/
I am a Australian living in thailand, I also own a Muay thai Gym in Bangkok. I would like to disagree about lumpini Stadium. Yes it is expensive for us visitors but is still the be all and end all of thai boxing, You see the greatest champions of the sport fighting every week, please dont play down how important this stadium is to thai people and muay thai
2009-04-19 @ 21:41

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