The national sport of Thailand is called muay thai, or “Thai boxing.” This martial art has its origins in military application from the Sukhothai Kingdom era, which dates to the 13th century.
Muay Thai uses eight points of contact: punches, elbows, knees, and kicks. For this reason, it is called the “Art of 8 limbs.” This sets it apart from other stand-up fighting sports like karate (4 points – feet and fists) and boxing (2 points – fists). These days, people practice and compete in muay Thai not just in Thailand but all over the world.
Introduction to Muay Thai sport:
Muay Thai is literally Thai boxing since the word “muay” in Thai means “boxing.” Early in the 20th century, Muay Thai was established as a modern combat sport, drawing inspiration from Muay Boran, the traditional Thai martial arts.
British boxing, which established the boxing ring and set rules, had an influence on the sport. Fighters also stopped using ropes to wrap their hands (A technique known as the “Kard Chuek”) and started competing with boxing gloves during this time.
Why Phuket is known for Muay Thai?
To begin with, Bangkok is without a doubt the global centre of Muay Thai culture. It features some of the most renowned gyms, the best fighters, and the best venues. Simultaneously, there are countless places to train in Muay Thai, including Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, and of course Phuket.
The same reason that most people visit Phuket—it’s awesome—is also one of the best reasons to train there! With its heat, traffic, smog, and hustle, some people will continue to train in Bangkok, but many will find Phuket’s environment to be perfect. The region around Soi Taied in Chalong is the epicentre of this massive Muay Thai scene.
Around the island, there are at least 20 gyms specifically dedicated to Muay Thai, and many “regular” gyms also provide classes. Many people train in Muay Thai only for fun and interesting workouts or to meet other motivated people to hang out with; they do not intend to compete.
Best Muay Thai fighters:
1. Nong-O Gaiyanghadao:
Being a seven-time Muay Thai champion, Nong-O is regarded as one of the greatest strikers of all time and has won almost every major award in the sport. He took a three-year break after winning the titles to pursue a career as a Muay Kru, or instructor. In 2018, he returned to competition and won the ONE Muay Thai Bantamweight Championship.
Nong-O’s dual career as a teacher and competitor has given him a special mastery over his trade. Nong-O uses a methodical, technical fighting style interspersed with devastating, yet precise strikes. His matches are masterpieces that should be included in the history of Muay Thai.
2. Panpayak Jitmuangnon:
Panpayak is a Thai martial artist and teacher of Muay Thai. He is the owner of two Rajadamnern titles and four Lumpinee Stadium Championship titles. He was named Thai Fighter of the Year three times in a row thanks to these accomplishments.
Superlek and other top fighters are opponents that Panpayak frequently faces, but he wins far more fights than he loses. His record as of right now is 247 wins and 41 losses. To counter and repel his opponents, he adopts a tactical stance similar to that of a boxer.
3. Superlek Kiatmoo9:
Superlek has won two world championships in Muay Thai, and a big part of his success has come from his kicking skills.
The fighter’s origins in Muay Thai are explained by his pedigree. Having grown up at the Kiatmoo9 gym with his uncle, Superlek is the nephew of the well-known Muay Thai World Champion Singdam. Superlek trained, just like any other young person at a Muay Thai gym.
Superlek began training when he was eight years old, so he spent years perfecting his skills. The end effect is quick, accurate, devastating, and incredibly entertaining to watch kicks. There are always a lot of well-timed strikes in a Superlek fight.
4. Rodtang Jitmuangnon:
Rodtang is among the many young martial artists who begin training as elite Muay Thai fighters. At the age of seven, the fighter began training in Muay Thai. He would soon be proficient enough to begin earning a living from his craft.
Rodtang relocated to Bangkok at the age of 14 from his home in northeastern Thailand. He became a full-time member of the competitive team at the Jitmuangnon gym there.
Rodtang’s aggressive approach and endurance make him stand out. This skilled fighter enjoys attacking opponents with a barrage of blows that weakens and exposes their defences. He has the same ability to both absorb and repel an attack as he does to inflict pain. Fans adore Rodtang, and his bouts will have you on the literal edge of your seat.
5. Janet Todd:
In her weight class, Todd, an American Muay Thai kickboxer, is the reigning ONE Kickboxing World Champion. In addition, she is the weight division champion of the 2017 Pan-American Championship. With eight knockout victories, the strawweight fighter has a record of 38 wins versus 11 losses.
She fights as an orthodox (right-handed) boxer, and her methodical approach to the game helps her win.
6. Sangmanee PK.Saenchai:
Sangmanee is the multiple champion of Thailand’s extremely competitive stadium circuit. Throughout his martial arts career, he has won seven championships in various weight classes.
At the age of six, Sangmanee began training and competing in the northeastern Thai countryside in Muay Thai. Right up until Sangmanee turned seven, his father managed training and matchmaking himself.
The young fighter began training at the gym owned by Sor Tienpo very soon. Sangmanee joined Bangkok’s 13 Coins gym at the age of fifteen. As a member of the 13 Coins squad, he would go on to win numerous fights.
Sangmanee’s advantages over the top Muay Thai fighters in the sport come from his southpaw fighting style and strategic fighting approach.
It is not an easy task to defeat champions such as Superlek, but he has succeeded. Sangmanee is employed by Evolve MMA in Singapore as a Muay Thai instructor at the moment.
Top Muay Thai Stadiums and Gyms in Phuket:
1. Patong Boxing Stadium:
Situated in the centre of Patong, this stadium is one of the most popular venues to watch Muay Thai in Phuket. Every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., you can watch live fights. These days, there are about 6–8 fights per day.
2. Bangla Boxing Stadium:
For a vibrant setting and an exhilarating Muay Thai experience, Bangla Boxing Stadium is a great choice. Every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., watch live Mauy fights.
3. Sumalee Boxing Gym:
In Phuket, Thailand, Sumalee Boxing Gym is a well-known Muay Thai training facility. The gym is well-known for its skilled instructors and dedication to traditional Muay Thai training techniques. One of the few gyms in Phuket that combines yoga and nutritional programs with a comprehensive approach to Muay Thai is Sumalee.
For 500 Baht, you can take one 2-hour class. Take the monthly Muay Thai training program, which offers two daily classes for 13,000 Baht, if you plan on training for a long time. Aside from the essentials, you can live a Muay Thai lifestyle, practice yoga and massage in the Balinese style, and reach the pinnacles of fitness with friends.
4. Sinbi Muay Thai Training Camp:
Situated close to Phuket’s enchanting Nai Harn Beach, Sinbi Muay Thai Camp has the appearance of a conventional gym right in the middle of Thailand. This Thai training camp helps preserve this cultural legacy by supporting young trainers and fighters from Thailand who are based abroad.
Sinbi Muay Thai Camp boasts a fully equipped weight room with a variety of free weights, kettlebells, benches, isolation machines, spinning bikes, rowers, and a high-rise roof that lets a breeze flow through the gym to help you stay cool.
It also features three full-size rings, thirty bags, including two wall bags, a stretching and warm-up area, and a fully furnished weight room. A two-hour class costs 500 Baht, and an hour-long one-on-one training session costs 800 Baht.
5. Tiger Muay Thai and MMA Training Camp:
The Tiger Muay Thai and MMA Training Camp, situated in the Chalong neighbourhood of Phuket, offers excellent and genuine Thai training. Many professional athletes are in attendance to witness this excellence.
The Tiger Muay Thai MMA training Camp offers opportunities for holidaymakers, vacationers, fitness enthusiasts, and military personnel to test their skills in addition to professionals.
This location offers a variety of Mauy training programs, including Krabi Krabong, Muay Boran, Advanced Muay Thai, Intermediate Muay Thai, and Beginners Muay Thai. A 2.5-hour class costs 500 Baht, or you can purchase a monthly Muay Thai and MMA Training pass for 14,000 Baht.
Phuket Trip and Living Cost:
Typically, a one-person trip to Phuket costs approximately $754 (฿26,889), while a two-person trip costs approximately $1,508 (฿53,777). This covers lodging, meals, local transit, and sightseeing.
An average cost of $1,508 (฿53,777) for a single person and $3,016 (฿107,554) for two is associated with a two-week trip to Phuket. This price covers lodging, meals, local transit, and sightseeing.
Note that prices can change depending on your speed, style of travel, and other factors. When travelling as a family of three or four, the cost per person often decreases because shared hotel rooms and cheaper tickets for children are available.
Over an extended duration of slower travel, your daily budget will decrease as well. A couple spending a month in Phuket together will frequently spend less per day per person than a single person visiting for a week.
An average cost of $3,232 (฿115,236) for a single person and $6,463 (฿230,473) for two is what it usually costs to visit Phuket for a month. The daily cost will rise as you visit more locations because transportation expenses will rise.
Independent Travel:
There are many advantages to travelling independently to Phuket, such as affordability, freedom, flexibility, and the chance to customize your own experiences. Phuket has affordable prices that are on par with those of your typical vacation spot. In general, lodging, dining, and sightseeing fall within standard budgets.
Phuket is a slightly more expensive travel destination in Asia than other locations. When it comes to travel expenses, it ranks in the top 25% of Asian cities. Phuket is generally more expensive than most cities in the region, though some are.
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation 1 (Double Occupancy) | ฿4,090 ($115) |
| Local Transportation 1 | ฿393 ($11) |
| Food 2 | ฿796 ($22) |
| Entertainment 1 | ฿1,554 ($44) |
| Tips and Handouts 1 | ฿79 – 238 ($2 – 7) |
| Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1 | ฿63 – 188 ($2 – 5) |
| Alcohol 2 | ฿116 – 349 ($3 – 10) |
In Phuket, the average cost of lodging for one person is $57 (฿2,045). The average cost of a hotel room in Phuket for two people sharing a standard double-occupancy room is $115 (฿4,090). This amount is based on what actual travellers have reported spending.
Final Word:
Phuket is home to numerous Muay Thai training camps, drawing thousands of visitors each year who want to learn this age-old martial art form and get in shape while lounging on the beach.
Having been practised for centuries in Thailand, Muay Thai kickboxing has gained international recognition in the last ten years alongside the growth of mixed martial arts (MMA).
While the focus and offerings of each Muay Thai camp vary slightly, most of them offer the opportunity for intense training sessions with top Muay Thai boxers on a weekly and monthly basis. Before committing to a full training program, try a class or purchase a day pass if you’re not sure which Phuket Muay Thai gym is best for you.
So, this was all about the Muay Thai sport in Phuket. Also read, Top 13 Best sports games for Android of 2023
