When mentioning Thailand, Muay Thai has got to be one of the first things that comes to mind. The word "MuayThai" literally means Thai boxing and we Thais consider it our national treasure. This thrilling fighting sport uses what's called the "Arts of the 8 limbs", which includes the hands, elbows, chins, and knees for attacks. Muay Thai started out as a battlefield fighting technique and gained popularity as a sport during the Ayuddhaya period, under the reign of King Naresuan in 1584. Every soldiers during that time was trained in Muay Thai, and even King Naresuan himself was quite a skillful Muay Thai fighter. Muay Thai further transformed itself from the battlefield into a sport under the patronage of King Prachao Sua or the "Tiger King". Under his reign (1703-1709), Thailand was at peace and with the soldiers having nothing to do, they practiced Muay Thai as a way of sharpening their fighting skills and it was also good method of releasing tensions. The "Tiger King" was an avid practitioner of Muay Thai as well, he even fought in many tournaments disguised in a mask and winning in many of the bouts. During this period, MuayThai became the country's national pastime and it was even incorporated into the national educational curriculum. Read More