Muay Thai Boxing

After the bike ride in the morning, Monday evening was another first. Over 10 years in Thailand and I had never been to a Muay Thai fight.

On tonight's card was Pratom 4 (translated as the 4th grader), named such because he looks about 12 years old.

Here I am outside the Raja Boxing Arena.



Here's the 4th grader in one of the earlier bouts landing a high leg kick.



The 4th grader again tied up in the ropes. He eventually went on to win.



Before the bouts began we were not really sure if this would be a genuine fight - or play acting which is often put on for tourists. After the first round of the first bout, we knew it was real. This guy was knocked out after a series of bone-jarring kicks and punches to his head.



Here we are enjoying our ringside seats.

In the later rounds, the fans really got into - mostly because they had all placed bets, but they could not compete with the trainers and family members in the corner. Pride was definitely on the line for all fights. Victory meant a few extra bucks, but Defeat meant shame for all your friends and family.

We had to go outside the arena to buy beers, and then, bring them back inside. This was our beer maid.

Here's a video of the main event. Unfortunately, it really doesn't capture the intensity with which these guys fought. Pride was truly on the line for each of these fighters.

After about 8 bouts, we headed home fully satisfied with our peak into a different corner of Thai culture.