Thailand Sports

Thailand has a strong athletic heritage and has contributed a great deal to the world of sports. The sporting activities of Thais arose from their agricultural and spiritual way of life, originally held as group activities held during the harvesting period and during religious and royal ceremonies and festivals.

Thai Boxing (Muai Thai)
Muai Thai is a martial art that most resembles boxing where combatants use elbows, knees and bare feet to deliver blows in addition to their fists. Before the start of any match, a “Wai Khru” rite is performed with traditional Thai instruments including a Java pipe, double-ended drums, cymbals and a gong. It takes years of training to become proficient at Muai Thai, and champion-level combatants are highly skilled fighters.

Sword & Pole Fighting (Fun Daab & Krabi Kra-bong)
These martial arts were once part of the military training soldiers would receive in Thailand’s army.

Boat Racing (Kaeng Ruer)
Boat races are usually held after the rainy season during the months of October and November. The boats used in the races are made from hardwood such as Takhain, and are large enough to carry 8 to 10 oarsmen and helmsman. Long boats carry even more oarsmen.

Rattan Ball (Takraw Lot Huang)
This is a game where players try to keep a rattan ball in the air using their feet, knees, head and elbows. In casual games, all the players form a circle and bounce the ball back and forth to one another. In formal games, 2 teams are formed separated by a net and they bounce ball back and forth to one another much like in a volleyball game.

Bull Fighting (Chon Wua)
Bull fighting is believed to have been introduced into Thailand by the Portuguese during the Ayutthaya period. It is now mostly popular in the southern regions of the country.

Kite Flying (Len Wow)
Kites have been enjoyed in Thailand since the 13th century, but only grew in popularity in the 19th century when king Rama IV granted permission to the Thai people to fly kites at Bangkok’s Phra Men Ground next to the Grand Palace. Kites can be designed for flying, fighting or designed simply for display.
Last edited Aug 30, 07 3:26 PM.

Travel Tips for Thailand Sports

1. Thai Pinoy's Tip on Ko Chang
Ko Chang, Eastern Thailand, Thailand
Ko Chang is one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands with long white sandy beaches, most half deserted. The island is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including a good selection of birds, snakes, deer and a number of elephants. The island and its vicinity are great places for snorkeling, diving and jungle hiking.
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2. Roland's Tip on Phuket
Phuket, Andaman Coast, Thailand
Careful with the rental bikes don't leave your real passport since they just leave it in the desk not a safe. Give a copy instead and if they refuse ask to give a 2000 bah deposit.
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3. Judith's Tip on Ko Samui
Ko Samui, Thailand Gulf, Thailand
Arrive at the most adorable outdoor airport, where the waiting rooms are gardens and there's just a few shaded waiting areas. Don't expect to find anything open during the day other than various water sports operators and food vendors on the beach. At night the town comes alive with shops and restaurants. Each eatery will also play one or two movies in the evening so choose when and where to have dinner with the movie schedule. Great eating also to be had on the beach where restaurants will set up tables right by the water. You'll love it.
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4. Danielle's Tip on Sukhothai
Sukhothai, Northern Thailand, Thailand
Stay at the Ban Thai guesthouse. Nice little guesthouse with great fruit shakes. From there you can do guided bike tours to the old town and the country side
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5. Bart's Tip on Ko Phangan
Ko Phangan, Thailand Gulf, Thailand
I spent some weeks on the Island and mostly on Had Yuan Beach.. Next to Hat Rin but you got to go by boat to get there, or hike the jungle trail;)
Eden Garden have a jungle hut for you from $3 a night and great food!
If you want party like on Samui, don't go to this beach...
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