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Undoubtedly the most famous Thai sport is Muay Thai,
which is Thailand's unique version of boxing. This
sport, which originated in Thailand, is a type of
martial art and is now practiced in countries all
over the world. Known as The Art of the Eight Limbs,
Muay Thai is Thailand's national sport.
Unlike Western boxing, in Muay Thai the hands, shins,
elbows, and knees are all used extensively. The origins
of Muay Thai come from Muay Boran (ancient boxing),
which was the type of unarmed combat used by Siamese
soldiers hundreds of years ago. Muay Thai has been
practiced as a sport in its own right for centuries,
and in fact the first written documents describing
the Muay Thai appeared in Chiang Mai around the start
of the 15th century.
There are many strict rules governing public Muay
Thai matches. For example, only boxing shorts are
permitted to be worn, and the colour depends on which
corner the fighter is in; red, pink, or maroon or
with a red stripe for the red corner; blue, bright
blue, black for the blue corner.
Long hair and/or beards are prohibited and amulets
can only be worn on the arm or waist and covered by
material.
Both fighters perform the Wai Kru (paying respect
to the teacher) before the start of the first round,
and a special dance called Ram Muay (accompanied by
the appropriate Thai traditional music.
A Muay Thai matches last for five rounds; 3 minutes
per round with a 2 minute break between each round.
Muay Thai matches can be scene all over Thailand,
especially in tourist areas, where small rings are
often set up in go-go bars.
A great place to enjoy a match is Lumpini Stadium,
where matches are generally of a very professional
level.
Another uniquely Thai sport is takraw which is very
similar to volleyball except that it uses an odd looking
rattan ball and players are allowed to touch the ball
using their feet, knees, chest and head. Traditional
Western-style boxing is also very popular.
Groups of people (usually boys and young men) can
be seen in the streets all over Thailand playing this
highly addictive and entertaining sport.
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