In the early 1200’s the capital of Siam (Thailand) was the city of Sukhothai. At the time the Thai people were fighting many wars with neighboring countries and needed some type of defense for the capital city. An army was formed and so was Muay Thai. Eventually Muay Thai was taught to people outside the military. It was at this time that the first Muay Thai camps were formed. Around 1600, Thailand freed itself from Burmese occupation to become its own country.

Not too long after this Muay Thai began to develop its traditions, many of which are still practiced today. The mongkon, the pa pra jhid (armbands), the wai kru, and a designated combat area were all formed. In the early days there were no weight classes or governing bodies; time limits and rounds had not yet been invented. Fighters fought each other regardless of weight, height or fight experience. Hands would be wrapped with hemp rope and sometimes dipped in a thick resin and sprinkled with crushed glass or seashells. Slowly the rules for Muay Thai started to be formed. During Rama 1 time limits for rounds were made, although there were no limits on how many rounds were to be fought. Originally a coconut with a hole in it was placed in a tub of water, when the coconut sank fully, the round was over. The rounds and the fight would continue until one boxer gave up or there was only one man left standing.

During WWI, other parts of the world got their first taste of Muay Thai. Thai troops were stationed in France, and they would sometimes put on Muay Thai fights. Often times French boxers would enter and fight. This is when Muay Thai was first introduced to Europe. In the 1920s, rules and regulations were imposed and Muay Thai started to become more of the sport we know today. A set number of rounds were formed (5 rounds), and a time limit on rounds was solidified (3 minutes). Fights were to take place inside a raised boxing ring, and most importantly boxing gloves were put on the hands of the fighters. In cities throughout the country, stadiums were built specifically for Muay Thai. The two most famous ones are in the modern capital of Bangkok, Lumpinee and Rajamundom. Now there are clear rules, weight classes, and fighters are ranked and compete for championship belts.

A standard Muay Thai fighter begins training between ages 6-8 and will have his first fight at 8-10 years old. By the time he is 25, he is usually retired from fighting. At this age, it is not uncommon to have 200 plus professional fights. Fighters train 6-8 hours a day, 6 days a week, and earn 5000-10,000 Baht (125-300 USD) per fight. They will fight every 3-4 weeks. This is their job and this is how they support their family. Today, Muay Thai is growing rapidly in popularity all across the world. Every month thousands of people come to Thailand to learn Muay Thai in its home country. Fighters in all forms of full contact fighting from MMA to K-1 style of fighting all agree that to be a complete fighter, you must train and learn Muay Thai.