How Muay Thai Came to Be

Did you know the origin of Muay Thai?

There are many different versions of how Muay Thai came to be. It has been a part of Thailand’s history for hundreds of years. But all sources agree that Muay Thai was the most effective fighting skill used by the Thai warriors on the battlefield. It was more fatally effective than the weapons it replaced.

One of the historical theories believed by many Thai people is that the art of Muay Thai developed as they moved down from China. The Thai people honed their fighting skill in the struggle for land. The other theory is that the Thai people developed Muay Thai to defend the land and the people from rampant invasion threats.

King Naresuan Era in 1584

In Thailand, national issues were decided through Muay Thai contests and the first great interest in Muay Thai as a sport was during the era of King Naresuan. This was known as the Ayuddhaya period. Every soldier trained in Muay Thai and as the King himself did, the soldiers could use it, too. Muay Thai slowly moved away from its root in the ‘Chupasart’. The new fighting techniques were evolving. “Chupasart” was the manual written which emphasized the use of each body part.

King Prachao Sua (1697 – 1709 AD)

During Tiger King ‘s reign, the nation was at peace. But with the great love for the combat art, the King fought incognito in local village contests, often beating the local champions. And since the nation is at peace, the King ordered the army to train in Muay Thai to keep them busy. Muay Thai became the favorite sport and pastime of the King, the army and the people. People from all walks of life trooped to training camps. Every village staged its prize fights and champions. Every fight became a contest of local pride and a betting tradition which remained with the sport until today where large sums are wagered on the fight’s outcome.

King Rama V Era

During the reign of King Rama V, most of the Muay Thai matches were Royal Command fights. Muay Thai fighters were rewarded with military titles from the King. Titles like Muen Muay Mee Chue from Chaiya or Muen Muay Man Mudh from Lopburi were titles earned from the King and at the time they were much prized and respected titles, having a meaning comparable to Major of Boxing. Today, such titles meant nothing.

King Rama VI Era

It was during the reign of King Rama VI when the standard ring surrounded by ropes was used. During the era, timekeeping by clock was also used.

Modernization

King Rama VII (1925 – 1935) developed and implemented codified rules for Muay Thai. The first boxing ring was built in 1921 at Suan Kularp. Muay Thai fights have referees and rounds were timed by kick. Modern gloves were used during training and in boxing matches against foreigners.

Muay Thai had so much success it has become the de facto style of choice for competitive stand-up fighters. Western practitioners have incorporated much more powerful hand striking techniques from boxing.

In 1993, the International Federation of Muay Thai Amateur was inaugurated and it became the governing body of amateur Muay Thai. There are 128 countries in IFMA and it is recognized by Olympic Council of Asia.

Two years later, in 1995, World Muay Thai Council was set up by the Royal Thai Government sanctioned by the Sports Authority of Thailand. World Muay Thai Council was the oldest professional organization that sanctions the sport of Muay Thai.

Muay Thai has now progressed into one of the most preferred martial art forms in many countries all over the world.