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The History of Muay Thai

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Copyright by Detlef Türnau

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The history of Muaythai is the history of the Thai people.

When the Burmese army destroyed the royal city of Ayuthaya, valuable information from the state archives about the history of Muaythai was also burned.

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What little we know today was drawn from ancient documents from Burma, Cambodia and chronicles from the former Lanna kingdom in Chiang Mai. It is generally agreed that Muaythai originated from the ancient martial arts of the Thai soldiers. Muaythai has always been part of the military training of Thai soldiers, who also had to learn how to successfully defend themselves without weapons.

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Today, experts disagree as to where Muaythai, or the ancient Thai martial art, historically has its roots. Some researchers/theoreticians assume that the Thais came from China as part of a migration of peoples. For this reason, Thai fighting techniques are also influenced by Chinese influences. Another theory says that the indigenous people of Thailand already mastered Muaythai-like techniques long before the migration of peoples began. This is indicated by archaeological excavations. Which of these theories is correct cannot be said with certainty, as clear evidence was burned in the ancient Thai capital during the war.

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Many historians have dealt with the history of Muaythai in the past. Even today, numerous research projects are carried out by Thai universities. Listed below are some dates that have already been confirmed by historians.

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648 AD
Praya (General) Kanwannadit establishes the Tarawadee kingdom in Lopburi.

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657
Sukatanta, a decorated warrior, establishes the Khao Sa Mo Kon/Sam Nak Ma Ser Korn School of Art (also Martial Arts) and Research in Lawo/Lopburi to train kings and their sons in the martial arts before their coronation. The king's bodyguards and selected soldiers are trained in the Thawung District.

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Around 748
King Pra Chao Pri Low Go establishes the first independent Thai kingdom in Nanchao, in southern China near Unti Mountain.

1219
Foundation of the Kingdom of Sukhothai by King Kun Sri In Tra Tit, in which Muaythai finds its first flowering. Records carved in stone tell of a Thai war against Cambodia and Thai martial arts. Also in this Sukhothai period, the famous training center of the Thais, Sam Nak Sa Mer Korn, is still used for training. The first king in Sukhothai, Por Khun Sri In Tra Tit, sent his 2nd son, Phraruong/Ramkhanghaeng to this school to learn the martial arts. Ramkhamhaeng writes down the 18 levels/ training guidelines (Maya) and hands them over to his father, who also begins to study the martial arts. Por Khun Ram Kam Khang deals with the martial arts (Tamrab Pihei Songkram) in the 14th level (Maya). Copies of this book can still be seen today in the Thai State Library.

circa 1235
Nanchao is destroyed by the Mongols and the Thais split into three groups to go their separate ways: the Thai Yai move to Burma, the Thai Ar Home to Laos and the Thai Noi to what is now Thailand. At that time, Burma, Laos and Thailand belonged to the Kingdom of Utong, which was ruled by Cambodia. If you look at the martial arts in Burma (Myanmar Lhet Wyat) and Laos (Muay Lay Lao) nowadays, you will see that they are very closely related to Muaythai. This applies to both the techniques and the competitions.

about 1350
Kingdom of Ayuthaya is established by King Pra Chao Uthong - 34 kings rule in this period.

1590
One of the most famous kings of this period is Naresuan, a great master of weaponry. He declares Burma's independence and establishes within his arms the Sue Pa Maew Mong, an elite unit specially trained in combat with and without weapons.

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1593
In the war between Burma and Ayuthaya, Naresuan kills the Burmese crown prince Min Chit Sra in Nong Sarai in a duel, whereupon the Burmese army retreats.

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1656
One of Naresuan's successors, King Narai, is also very involved in the development of the martial arts. During his reign, the first professional fights take place, which arouse great interest among the population. At that time, the boxers only fought with bandages, so-called "kard cheurk", which were up to five meters long. Fighting takes place on an open field, where the fighting area is sometimes demarcated with a long cotton rope. In addition, the fighters wear their mongkon and prajeat during the fight. There are no weight classes yet. Fights are decided either by knockout or by the surrender of a fighter. A very famous teacher of Thai martial arts at that time is Kru Daang Tadaeng (Muay Lopburi), the most famous fighter is Chaopraya Kosatibodilek.

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1703
King Pra Chao Sua (Prasanpet VIII), the Tiger King, also made a name for himself as ruler (1697-1709) of Thai martial arts. He founds the organization Ta Nai Leug, in which unarmed combat is further developed. The king's bodyguards and teachers of unarmed combat are also trained here. Other Asian martial arts do not have much influence on Thai martial arts as they are highly perfected. This is shown by the fights of the Thais with representatives of other foreign martial arts (Nai Kanom Tom-Burma). Consequently, the Thais see no point in supplementing their martial arts with foreign techniques. In addition, the Thais are and were a very proud people, which can only be convinced in battle. King Pra Chao Sua often takes part in battles in Wi Set Chai Chan province's Rad Kruad district with four of his bodyguards, also excellent fighters, under false names. A story about Pra Chao Sua is still told today: Once again, the king takes part in battles in the province. Since it is known that this is a very strong fighter, the organizer organizes several opponents for him in case the first fighter is defeated. The king accepts this challenge and successively defeats Nai Klang Mhad Tay, Nai Yai Mhad Laek and Nai Lek Mhad Nak by knockout. Later, Pra Chao Sua also trains his children, Prince Pet and Prince Porn, who develop their father's martial arts. Famous fighters of this period are also Pantainorasing, Nai Klang Mad Tai, Nai Yai Madlek and Nai Lek Madnak.

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1765
The small village of Bang Ra Chan is attacked by Burmese troops. The villagers defend themselves heroically. Only after the eighth attack on the village do the Burmese gain the upper hand and kill the villagers.

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1766
The Burmese again begin a massive campaign against the Thais and besiege Ayuthaya. A general of King Ekatat, Chao Phaya Taksin, manages to break out of Auythaya with 500 soldiers. He entrenched himself with his soldiers in Chantaburi.

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April 7, 1767
Ayuthaya is completely destroyed by the Burmese. The State Library burns completely. Phaya Taksin, also an excellent fighter, moves the capital to Thonburi. After many bloody fights, he succeeds in expelling the Burmese. He founds the Krungthonburi kingdom and is crowned king.

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1770
Taksin is overthrown by his general Chao Phya Chakri - Rama - who moves his residence to Bangkok. The Chakri dynasty still rules in Thailand today. This era also marks one of the high points of Thai armed and unarmed struggle.

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1775
Burmese King Mangra has Thai prisoners of war fight Burmese boxers. Thai Nai Kanom Tom, who is among the prisoners, defeats ten Burmese boxers and regains his freedom for these victories. Every year on March 17th, fights are held in Thai stadiums in honor of Nai Kanom Tom. (This story has not yet been verified by fact, as historical records of Burmese origin are very difficult to obtain.)

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1782
Origin of the Muay Korat.

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1809
The Ram Mad Ram Muay is renamed "Muaythai".

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1809
King Rama II built the Wang Lang Stadium in the Royal Palace area. Here the people are offered armed, but also unarmed fights. The fights, in which punches and kicks are used, were previously called "Ram Mad Ram Muay". Now the name "Muaythai" was used. King Rama II is trained in Muaythai at Wat Ra Kang Ko Si Ta Ram Temple in Thonburi by a monk named Som Det Pra Wan Na Rat. He trained with this monk until he was 16 years old. After that he will be further trained in the Ta Nai Leug organization.

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1824
Origin of Muay Chaya.

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1824
Rama III is also trained in the Ta Nai Leug. During his reign, a war with Laos takes place. The troops from Laos are trying to take the city of Korat. The wife of the former governor of Korat, Ying Moe, gathers around her troops who are not only proficient in arms combat but also muaythai, since some commanders of these troops were also trained in the Ta Nai Leug. The troops from Laos are defeated.
During this time, a book about Muaythai was also written, which contained 46 drawings and can still be seen in the state library today.

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1848
Rama 4 is also an avid Muaythai and Krabbi Krabong fighter. He gives the Thais new legislation, which also includes the Thai martial arts. He is trained in the Ta Nai Leug. At Wat Pra Si Rattana Sat Sadaram, many battles are fought during his reign as part of special celebrations.

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1868
The reign of King Rama 5 denotes the golden age of Muaythai. In the royal palace, the Sam Nak Muay Luong department is formed, which replaced the Ta Nai Leug organization. The king himself is trained by Luong Pol Yo Ta Nu Yok, the director of the Sam Nak Muay Luong. Muaythai is heavily promoted in the Sam Nak Muay Luong. Outdated techniques are further developed and training guidelines for Muathai training as well as graduation guidelines for students and teachers are established. These are checked by the Sam Nak Muay Luong department in Bangkok. The best fighters from all provinces are sent to Bangkok to fight in the royal palace. Many of the fighters who emerge victorious from their battles are inducted into the Palace Guard.
Origin of Muay Lopburi.
Well-known fighters include Muen Mue Man Mad (Nai Klung To Sa Art), Nai Prong Chammongthong and Nai Daeng Taiprasert (Muay Korat).

1876
During the cremation of the king's sister from 16 to. July 23 Muaythai fights held at Wat Mahataat.

November 30, 1907
From this year Muaythai fights take place annually in the presence of the king.

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1910
During the reign of King Rama 6 the 1st World War took place. Thai soldiers are sent to Europe. At the request of European commanders, General Pra Ya Teb Has Sa Din organizes Muaythai demonstrations, which arouse great interest among the soldiers.

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1921
Fighting takes place on the soccer field of Sanaam Suan Ku Lard. The fighting area is almost 700 square meters and is surrounded by spectator chairs. Until 1921, the Thais used a fabric-covered shell as a groin guard. Now they use a stable protection made of cotton. For the first time, a referee will be used in these fights. A judge is still not required, since the fights are only decided by knockout or by the surrender of a fighter. Also this year, the first Muaythai fights take place at the Sanaam Suan Ku Lard (Rose Garden) compound inside a boxing ring. The time limitation of the rounds with a clock is also new - until then, a coconut shell with a hole in it was used as a time measure. This was placed in a water tank. If she finally went under, the round was over. Indian, Chinese and Burmese fighters also take part in the fighting. The Thai boxers defeat all other fighters. The proceeds from the entrance fees are used to buy weapons for the scout department.
The Chinese wushu master Chin Chang from the Kwantung province, known for his enormous chi powers, competes in Thailand against the muaythai boxer Yang Harn Ta Ley. The Chinese fighter is downright outclassed and spends several months in the hospital.

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1925
A Thai general gives the order to build the Sanaam Muay Lak Mueng Ta Chang Stadium near the National Museum. In contrast to the earlier stone buildings, three ring cables are used for the first time. Fights are fought in the new stadium until 1929.

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1925
In Muay Korat you fight with boxing gloves for the first time.

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1929
On November 9, 1929, Chao Khun Ka Ta Ra Bo Di held competitions in a tent in Lumpini Park. The boxing ring now corresponds to European dimensions. For the first time, two judges are used to evaluate the fights, so that victory on points is also possible. In addition, the rounds are now limited by a clock here as well. A Filipino boxer uses boxing gloves in these fights, which will also be used in Muaythai fights in the future. Previously, Thai boxers' hands were only wrapped in bandages. Metal groin guards will also be used for the first time at the Lumpini Park competitions.

1934-1946

In 1935, a wealthy merchant builds the Sa Nam Muay Suan Chao Ched Stadium, which is controlled by the Thai Army. Fighting continues there until 1940, the year the Japanese invade Thailand.
In 1937, the Department of Physical Education established the rules of combat for Muaythai combat. From 1942 to 1944 there were isolated fights in the Pat Tana Karn, Ta Pra Chan and Wong Wien Yai theaters.

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1941
Former Prime Minister of Thailand P. Pibulsongkram gives the order to build Thailand's first Muaythai stadium: Rajadamnern Stadium on Rajadamnern Avenue in Bangkok. Due to the war, however, the work is interrupted and can only be resumed after the war.

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1945
The Muay Lopburi is being modernized. Well-known fighters of this style are Taweesak Singklongsi and Angkan Chompoopuang.

December 23, 1945
The Rajadamnern Stadium is finished. The first manager of the stadium will be Mr. Pramote Puengsoonthorn, the first promoter will be Kruh Chit Ampon Siu. For the first time, the fights are set to 5 x 3 minutes, each with a two-minute break. The weight of the fighters is checked on an old stone horse scale.

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1953
On December 8, 1953, the first fights take place in the newly built Lumpini Stadium. The stadium's first manager is Kruh Ket Sri Ya Pai.

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1955
By Rajadamnern Stadium Co.,Ltd. the first set of rules for professional Muaythai fighting is published.

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1958
Japanese karateka and a Filipino boxer challenge muaythai fighters. All the boxers are easily defeated by the muaythai fighters.

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1959
Chinese Tai-Kek fighters are also unsuccessful in trying to defeat the Thai boxers at Rajadamnern Stadium.

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1960
April 30: Thai Som Porn Rattana Sit fights Cambodian Zoa Zar Lin in Phnom Penh. The Thai wins by a large margin of points.
July 23: Thai fighters meet Cambodian fighters again in Phnom Penh. The Thai Rung Sak Sing E Sar wins by knockout in the first round against Sa La Kam Put. Thai second fighter Sa Ne Ket Song Kram defeats his opponent Sor Sali Kam Put by knockout in the second round. The third Thai fighter, Pong Sak Lert Kamon, finally manages to knock out his Cambodian opponent Zor Salin Kam Put in the first round.

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1962
An Indonesian boxer dares to compare it with a Thai boxer and is scored. In April there will be a comparison match between Japanese and Thai fighters. Of six fights, the Thais win three fights by knockout and two more clearly on points. However, a Thai is disqualified and his Japanese opponent is declared the winner. In May, two Japanese fighters, now trained in Muaythai, meet Muaythai boxers again. A Japanese goes knockout The second Japanese fighter manages a sensational victory over a Thai for the first time.

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1971
dr Sawaeng Siriplai, a teacher at Sri Na Ka Rin Wi Rot Pa La Suk Sa University, establishes international rules for amateur Muaythai. In the same year, the first amateur Muaythai fights take place between Srinakarin University and the Colleges of Physical Education Chiang Mai, Maha Sarakham, Yala and Chon Bun.

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1972
Again six Japanese face Thai fighters. Five Japanese are knocked out, one Japanese fighter is scored. At the end of August, two more Japanese will enter the boxing ring in Thailand. One of them goes KO - the other Japanese can get a points victory.

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1973
Thai fighters defeat two Chinese kung fu fighters in the first round.

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1974
Again five kung fu fighters from Hong Kong step into the ring, this time even without boxing gloves. However, none of the Hong Kong fighters advance to the second round.
In Manila, a Thai student is challenged by a Filipino karateka. The Thai can win the fight in the second round.
International match Thailand against Cambodia: The Thais defeat all opponents in this encounter as well.
In October, a highly qualified Japanese karate master challenges the Thais – a 40-year-old Muaythai trainer playfully outplays the Japanese.

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November 03, 1975
A match between Thai boxers and Chinese Chan Tung fighters takes place at Rajadamnern Stadium. Thai Rawee Decha Chai defeats China's Hi Ra To by technical knockout in the second round. Thai Den Tor Ra Nee Muang Surin defeats Na Ka E by technical knockout in the first round. Thai Sorn Nak Rob Keit Wayu Pak beats Za wa No. The Thai Charn Det Wee Rapon also defeats Ha Ki Wa on points.

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March 12, 1977
At the Los Angeles Auditorium, Benny Urquidez battles Narongnoi Kiattibandit and Ernest Heart battles Netr Saknarong. Thais are not allowed to use clinch and elbow techniques. In addition, the fights are scheduled over a period of nine rounds, which is an unusual number of rounds for Muaythai. Benny Urquidez is knocked out with the final gong - Ernest Heart is already on the boards in the 5th round.

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Aug. 18, 1978
Five fighters from Amsterdam's Chakuriki Gym venture into the lion's den and are all defeated by KO: Poe Sai Sittiboonlert defeats Ron Kuyt by KO in the 2nd round. Sa Kat Porn Tawee wins by knockout in the 1st round against Robby Harinck. See Pray Keit Som Bob KO's Imro van den Ten in 1st round Imro van den Ten Sa Tarn Far Sor Pra Tip wins in 2nd round via KO against Faisal Karakus Eka Chai Sit. Mor Art wins in 1st round by knockout against Ramikisoen.

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June 7, 1978
Thailand vs Japan at Rajadamnern Stadion: Si Pray Kiet Sombop wins on points over Toshio Fujiwara of Japan. David Amornrat wins on points against Tabata from Japan.

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September 15, 1978
Thailand vs Japan at Lumpinee Stadium: Pood Pard Noi Woravut loses on points to Toshio Fujiwara Kam. Rai Yok Keit Sombop wins on points against Keuji Ziko Lam Sai. Look Pra Ya Pichai wins by knockout over Mizuhiro Yanakida in the 3rd round.

Nov. 21, 1978
Thailand vs. Japan and Burma at Lumpini Stadium: David Amornrat wins by knockout in the 2nd round against Higari Kenzu. Santi Littichai wins by technical knockout in the 4th round over Sijiya Reaw.

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May 1984
Founding of the Muaythai Bund Deutschland eV in Stuttgart. It is the only association in Germany to be recognized by the European Muaythai Association (EMA) and the World Muay Thai Association (WMA).

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Sep 1984
Dutchman van der Vathorst wins in Amsterdam against Thai Nonglek from Petchmuangtrad Camp. His compatriot Tekin also wins on points against the Thai Lomtai. In a rematch a few months later at the Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok, van der Vathorst loses to Nonglek.

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1985
For the first time, amateur Muaythai competitions for students from all schools in Thailand will take place. Grandmaster Yuttana Wongbandue and Master Charn Paiboon develop protective equipment for amateur Muaythai, which becomes mandatory for all tournaments.

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July 1985
Van der Vathorst wins by knockout over Fanta Atapong (Petchmuangtrad) in Amsterdam.

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1988
US champ Felipe Garcia is beaten by a Thai KO in America. Don Wilson clearly loses on points in Thailand against Samart Fairtex.

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1989
International match Thailand against Burma. Again all victories go to the Thais.

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October 1989
Dutchman Ballentine wins against "Deadly Kisser" Saengtiennoi in Amsterdam.

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1990
The International Federation of Muaythai Amateurs is officially founded in Bangkok.

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1992
The first German Muaythai athletes are training at the Hua Mark University in Bangkok to complete the first part of the Muaythai coaching license exam.

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1993
The Department of Physical Education in Bangkok, in cooperation with foreign Muaythai teachers, sets the rules for international amateur Muaythai competitions.

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January 23, 1993
The Chakuriki fighter Gilbert Ballentine wins in the Berlin Deutschlandhalle against the No. 2 of the Rajadamnern ranking list Jacksit on points.

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1994
Foundation of the International Federation of Muaythai Amateurs (IFMA) in Bangkok.

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1995
First IFMA Amateur Muaythai World Championship takes place at the National Stadium in Bangkok.
Foundation of the World Muaythai Council as the only professional Muaythai organization accepted by the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT). The World Muaythai Council (WMC) recognizes the Muaythai Bund Germany as the only national Muaythai association in Germany.

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February 1997
At the third IAMTF Amateur Muaythai World Championship in Bangkok, Jupp Yousef from Bujin-Gym Rommerskirchen wins the cruiserweight gold medal. During the World Cup, the President of the Muaythai Bund Germany, Detlef Türnau, is the first foreigner to be promoted to the rank of Muaythai Ajarn.

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1998
At the 13th Asian Games, amateur Muaythai competitions will take place for the first time under the auspices of the IFMAF.

April 1998
More than 30 nations take part in the first European Amateur Muaythai Championship in Calafell, Spain. Andre Keubler from the Bujin-Gym Mönchengladbach wins the gold medal and Arseni Diete from the Budofreunde Köln wins the bronze medal.

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1998
Foundation of the European Professional Muaythai Federation (EPMTF), which works very closely with the Thai professional association Professional Muay Thai Association of Thailand (PAT). Detlef Türnau becomes the first president.

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March 1999
Yousef Sariano, also from the Bujin-Gym Rommerskirchen, wins the super heavyweight gold medal at the fourth IAMTF Amateur Muaythai World Championship.

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February 2000
At the second IAMTF Amateur Muaythai European Championships in Paphos-Cyprus, Germany won several bronze and silver medals with a new junior team.

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2001
Also at the fifth IAMTF Amateur Muaythai World Championship in Bangkok, a new MTBD team secures some medals.

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June 2002
For the first time, a team from Thailand will take part in the extremely successful German Internationals in Dorsten.
International Promoter Meeting with representatives of the Professional Muay Thai Association of Thailand and promoters of the Lumpini and Omnoy Stadiums in Rommerskirchen.
Angelika Schierholt, from Detlef Türnau's champion forge, wins the third IAMTF Amateur Muaythai European Championship in Caldas da Rainha/Portugal and becomes Muaythai European Champion.

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2003
The following year, Angelika Schierholt wins the sixth IFMA Amateur Muaythai World Championship at the Sports Authority of Thailand Stadium in Bangkok.

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2004
Amateur Muaythai under the world association IFMA takes part in the Asian Indoor Games for the first time.
The Muaythai Bund Germany becomes a full member of the IFMA

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2006
The General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF), which belongs to the IOC, recognizes the International Federation of Muaythai Amateurs (IFMA) as a full member at the meeting in Korea. Thus, under the auspices of the IFMA, amateur muaythai is on its way to Olympic recognition.
Mohamed Oudris (Bujin Gym Rommerskirchen) and Vukota Mirkovic (Kings Gym Hannover) win WMC Superbouts at the Kings Cup in Bangkok.

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2007
First-time organization of the IFMA European Amateur Muaythai Cup in Singen on Lake Constance, in which 20 nations take part.
Vukota Mirkovic (Kings Gym Hannover) beats his opponent from Latvia in a WMC Super Bout at the King's Cup in Bangkok in the 1st round knockout.

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2008
The IFMA European Cup will be held in Singen for the second time. The number of participating nations and fighters is increasing.
At the IFMA European Championships in Poland, Ania Fucz (Mujoken-Ki-Dojo Würselen) becomes European Champion.
Berat Aliu (Chorakee Gym Trier) qualifies in Germany on the WMC Super 8 Muaythai series for participation in the King's Cup 2008 in Bangkok. He has to admit defeat against a strong Thai on points.

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2009
The 17-year-old Enriko Kehl (Francer's Fight Team) qualifies in Germany for the eight-man tournament of the King's Cup 2009 in Bangkok. For the first time, ZDF is making a report about a German participant in the King's Cup.

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2010
In Beijing from 28.08. The SportAccord Combat Games will take place under the patronage of the IOC from September 4th to 4th, 2010.
Only 14 GAISF-recognized martial arts are allowed to participate here, including IFMA's amateur Muaythai.

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2016 Recognition of Muay Thai by the IOC

Muay Thai is declared an Olympic sport

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