31Thai’s infancy originated from the Khmer
Empire (the predecessor to modern
Cambodia), from a martial art called
Pradal Serey. What is certain is that the
sport of Muay Thai was spawned from
the many early Thai combat fighting
styles located throughout the region.
Muay Chaiya, Mae Mai Muay Thai,
Muay Lopburi and Muay Korat were the
several styles that, with time, merged to
form the practice of Muay Boran, which
translates to ‘ancient boxing.’ Further
consolidation of fighting styles with the
eventual veer away from its application
as a combative practice towards a sport
led to what we know today as Muay Thai.
The Sukhothai Era, 1180–1377
Traditional Thai historians have noted
that it was during the early- to mid-12th
century that the Sukhothai Kingdom was
founded as the beginning of the Thai
nation. It was here, in what is today
central Thailand, that battles raged
against the Khmer Empire. Large swaths
of fighting forces were dispatched to
first, win succession, and then defend
the young capital city. With the birthing
above Pacharadanai
Poolsawat strengthens
his neck after a
gruelling training
session in Bangkok;
Petroleum jelly is
applied to the face of
Focus before he enters
the ring. Vaseline is
applied in order to
reduce the likelihood
of being cutof a new national identity taking place,
it is thought that the formative style of
early Muay Thai hand-to-hand combat
was created here. During this period,
it was expected that everyone – from
the common people to royalty – would
practice the disciplines of Muay Thai.