34 COVER FE ATUREin a seven-day festival. Put up against a
Burmese champion, it was said that Nai
Khanom Tom overwhelmed his opponent,
ending the match with a swift defeat by
knockout. Following this, King Mangra
offered Nai Khanom Tom his freedom – if
he could successfully defeat nine more
Burmese fighters in succession. Legend
has it that at the end of the tenth fight,
Nai Khanom Tom was released and
provided with safe passage back to Siam,
along with two Burmese wives.
Because of Nai Khanom Tom’s
legendary heroics, Thailand celebrates
Boxer’s Day – or National Muay Boran
Day – on March 17.
The Golden Age of Muay Thai
King Rama V was another figure in
Thai royal lineage who promoted the
sport. From the late 1880s onwards, his
involvement in tournaments and
important international events helped
elevate the identity and status of Muay
Thai, nationally and abroad. Like his
predecessors, it also provided a means
for him to find personal guards and royal
officers. In 1887, the Department of
Education was created, which included
Muay Thai as part of the military cadet
teachers school curriculum.Modern Muay Thai
The turn of the 19th century witnessed
changes that highlighted Thailand’s
collaboration with – and acceptance of –
outside influence. Its most dramatic shift
in terms of the social political landscape
occurred prior to and in the wake of the
fall of King Rama VII. Sweeping changes
took place within Thailand that resulted
in many of the old ways being discarded.
The direct impact of these times on the
sport could be seen in the introduction
of British boxing into the Muay Thai
curriculum at Suan Kulap College. It
was around this time that the sport was
codified; rules and regulations were
introduced. This led to the incorporation
of the first international-style three
rope ring with red and blue padded
corners. The fighters were relieved of the
rope binding of the arms and hands as
padded gloves took their place.After the world wars, large stadiums
were built and remodelling continued.
Weight classes were introduced, and five
rounds with a time limit were included.
The makeover of refining the sport’s
conduct helped promote Muay Thai’s
appeal to a foreign audience. Muay Thai
had entered a new period, increasingly
influenced by the West with more
stringent standards of professionalism.
Today, Muay Thai’s allure continues
to grow, and large gatherings in
Bangkok’s Rajdamnern and Lumpinee
stadiums are an anticipated weekly
event. The broadcasting of these live
events began over two decades ago, and
continue to be shown to fans throughout
Thailand today.
On a global scale, Muay Thai has
become one of the fastest growing
martial art practices. It has been firmly
established as one of the integral
pillars in today’s multi-million dollar
mixed martial arts industry. As it gains
increasing acknowledgement around the
world, Muay Thai’s possible inclusion in
the Olympic Games seems likely.