Thai people are mad for Muay Thai , their unique 17th century martial art of physical combat and spiritual training, as deeply rooted in Siam's culture as Sumo is in Japan. Thai kick boxing is famous around the world and local fans flock to fill stadiums around Bangkok for matches that are rarely attended by tourists. Muay Thai's pre-fight homage, the Ram Muay and Wai Kruu ritual, have their origin in both Buddhism and Animism. This magical and spiritual homage invokes the heart and soul of each fighter, protects the boxing ring from negative influences, and offers thanks to the fighter's trainers, family, country and protective spirits. The bout is accompanied by a musical quartet on traditional instruments, whose music often dictates the rhythm and speed of the fight.
Boxers believe in magic spirits and spells, as do most Thai people.
Young trainees go through an elaborate initiation ceremony to join the lineage of Muay Thai practitioners, who even include soldiers and royalty. You leave your hotel at 4.30pm. You will find that the boxing stadium has several differently-priced levels of seats. The cost of your ticket is not included in the tour price. The Siamese sport of Muay Thai .