Tourism/Amazing Muay Thai Experience

Editorial staff

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is staging the “Amazing Muay Thai Experience” series of events in its second year, aimed at boosting cross-regional travel and distributing tourism income across the country.

The event wll be held between this August and September across the four origins of Muay Thai Boran martial art forms.

Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT governor, said, the aged-old martial art of Muay Thai is one of Thailand’s national heritages and world-famous elements of Thai culture. It is an integral part of Thailand’s 5F soft-power foundations, which include food, film, fashion, fight, and festival, and which portray a vast scope of opportunities for travel experiences in the kingdom.”

The event shines a spotlight on an exciting lineup of Muay Thai-focused events planned throughout the year by the TAT to offer tourists an opportunity to learn more about the Thai martial arts in its country of origin.

The four unique styles of Muay Thai Boran or ancient Thai boxing include Muay Chaiya of the southern region, Muay Korat of the northeastern region, Muay Tha Sao of the northern region, and Muay Lop Buri of the central region. They originated in Surat Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Uttaradit, and Lop Buri, respectively.

The first event is scheduled in Surat Thani, from 2-4 August, at the Chaloem Phrakiat 84th Birthday Anniversary Public Park in Chaiya District. It will feature the “Muay Chaiya” fighting style, known for its seven outstanding characteristics – the stance, the three-step approach, the wai kru ritual, the outfit, the wrapping of fists with raw ropes, the training drills, and the body as a weapon.

The second event is scheduled in Uttaradit, from 16-18 August, at Wat Yai Tha Sao in Mueang District. It will present the fast and versatile “Muay Tha Sao” fighting discipline, which is a combination of Thai and Chinese martial arts techniques.

The third event is scheduled in Nakhon Ratchasima, from 6-8 September, at the Meru Bhramathat in Phimai District. It will showcase the “Muay Korat” martial art form, which is known for its powerful kicks and punches as well as its wide-angle punch known as “buffalo swing fist”.

The last of the four-event series will take place in Lop Buri, from 13-15 September, at King Narai’s Palace in Mueang District. It will highlight the quick and evasive “Muay Lop Buri” fighting technique.

At each location, Muay Thai lovers and martial arts enthusiasts can enjoy the experience and gain a deeper understanding of the life and philosophy behind the legendary Thai martial arts. They can also learn proper techniques from Muay Thai masters.

As well as the presentation of Muay Thai Boran martial art forms, the programme will feature Muay Thai fights, folk martial art sports such as Muay Tap Chak and May Thale, talisman tattooing, Thai boxing arcade games, and booths offering Muay Thai training courses and equipment. Add to the exhilarating atmosphere are music concerts by Thai artists and a food zone featuring locally famous restaurants and must-try dishes.