Muay
Thai, a kind of martial art, evolved in Thailand more than 2000 years
ago. People of Thailand and of course Pattaya are very fond of Muay
Thai. Whenever a bout is held, thousands of people congregate to enjoy
it. Muay Thai is known for several traditions. When the fighters hit
each other or artfully feign, the onlookers shout with enthusiasm.
Bouts
Powerful puches, bumpy kicks, big elbow strikes, and artful feints are
some features of Muay Thai. Muay Thai bouts are held in five
three-minute rounds with two-minute breaks in between. The fighters,
brandishing a headband and armbands, perform wai khru dance before the
dual. The dance serves as a good warm-up exercise. Onlookers fill the
seats of the stadium and many seats are occupied by the foreigners too.
Passion
The sport has huge following among the Thais. The bouts are broadcasted
by television networks five days a week, and the results of the fights
held at major stadiums are reported by the newspapers and magazines. All
Thai boxers, who later got international status, started their career as
Muay Thai fighters.
History
History of Muay Thai is inextricably associated with the history of
Thailand. The Thais had to defend their country from the attacking
armies. They needed a type of close, hand-to-hand combat which was
suitable for the kind of battle they were engaged in. The result was
Muay Thai. Muay Thai was later made mandary part of military training.
The credit goes to King Naresuan the Great (1555-1605), who was himself
an excellent boxer and was regarded as one of the country's most able
warrior-heroes.
Legend of the Game
The game witnessed another landmark Nai Khanom Tom triumphed over 10
Burmese boxers in 1774. Taken as a prisoner after the fall of the Thai
capital in 1767, Nai Khanom Tom was picked to fight in the presence the
Burmese ruler. He defeated ten Burmese fighters in a row. The Burmese
king was so impressed by his valour that he set him free.
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