32 COVER FE ATUREThe Ayutthaya Era, 1400s – 1590
Periods of conquest between the
neighbouring kingdoms of Sukhothai
and Kamphaeng Phet and Phitsanulok
continued the ongoing refinement of
the Muay Thai martial art. As attempts
at dynastic unification continued, the
fighting style of Muay Thai evolved in
both technique and as a cultural dividing
force during ongoing conflicts between
the Angkor Empire and later, Burma.
In the latter years of the 16th century,
numerous wars continued to be fought
against Burma, but it was under the
reign of one of Thailand’s most revered
monarchs, King Naresuan, that there was
a turning point for Muay Thai. Owing to
his passion for the Muay Thai fighting
style, King Naresuan was instrumental
in creating the first great upsurge of
interest in the art as a local sport.
It was during this time that new sporting
fighting techniques evolved and led to
the beginning of Muay Thai competition.
Early professional fights were by no
means a friendly affair, as no time limits
were given, and so bouts of fighting
continued until either competitor gave
up, or was knocked out. The increasing
public appreciation of Muay Thai as a
local sport meant that it slowly moved
away from its early raw combatant roots
towards a more recreational practice.top The world-
renowned Lumpini
Stadium holds regular
events in front of
packed audiences;
A ticket vendor at the
Rajadamnern Stadium,
which is the oldest in
Bangkok. Alongside
the Lumpini, it is one
of the most prestigious
stadiums in Bangkok