Muay Thai Boxing
Muay Thai boxing. Thailand’s national sport is a must-see event for any tourist visiting the country. Over a decade ago, I attended a fight at the renowned Patong Boxing Stadium, on Sainam Yen Road, near Patong Beach in Phuket. The experience was unforgettable.
What is Muay Thai?
Muay Thai, also known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” involves the use of fists, elbows, knees and shins. I came across an informative blog – Tiger Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts, which provides an in-depth look at the history and training techniques of Muay Thai.
The black-and-white photos featured in this blog post capture moments from the Patong Boxing Stadium event. Among the fighters, you’ll notice several foreign fighters, adding an international element to the line-up. The bouts were intense, with fighters delivering relentless punches, crushing elbow strikes, and powerful kicks. One of the highlights was a knockout, which earned a photo of mine the FWA Photo Award in 2010.
The reactions of the audience were just as captivating as the fight itself. Some spectators looked stunned, while others cringed, visibly feeling the tension and pain the fighters endured.
It’s worth noting that Muay Thai matches are also legal gambling arenas. The bookies, easily spotted with fists full of Thai bhat, made for an interesting sideshow as they engaged with their customers.
For more photography from my time living in Phuket Thailand click here.
