Muay Thai (Thai boxing)
This style of boxing, which originated in the Ayutthaya period, differs from the western-style in that contestants are allowed to use all parts of the body in defence and attack. Thai boxing is a very popular, sometimes violent, spectator sport. Stadiums are usually crowded and noisy as this is where most of the betting takes place. Each fight, five rounds of three minutes each, starts with a ritual where boxers pay homage to their teachers.

Traditional music played during bouts rises and falls with the action and heightens the excitement.

Interest has developed in kick boxing as a form of fitness. Roughly eight hundred calories an hour are expended during training. Kick boxing camps ranging from a few days to several weeks duration are held. Women are increasingly becoming involved in kick boxing and Rangsit stadium has women’s bouts on Thursday nights.