Religion and monarchy are the cornerstones of Thai culture, and they permeate everyday life, from the custom of standing for the royal anthem before films are shown and for the national anthem played across towns and villages twice daily, to the predominance of Buddhist temples all around the country - even in mile-a-minute Bangkok.For the beach-holidaymaker and Bangkok fly-by-nighter, it is often easy to overlook these cultural subtleties - the Thais are a gregarious and accepting lot - but a little bit of respect goes a long way in finding out more about Thailand's people and culture.Thai art, principally sculpture and architecture, is divided into a number of historical styles beginning with Mon (6th-13thC), Khmer (7th-13th C), Peninsular (until 14th C), Lan Na (13th-14th C), Sukhothai (13th-15th C), Lopburi (10th-13th C), Suphanburi-Sangkhlaburi (13th-15th C), Ayuthaya A (1350-1488), Ayuthaya B (1488-1630), Ayuthaya C (1630-1767) and Ratanakosin (19th C to present). Thai cuisine is pungent and spicy, seasoned with heaps of garlic and chillies and a characteristic mix of lime juice, lemon grass and fresh coriander. Galanga root, basil, ground peanuts, tamarind juice, ginger and coconut milk are other common additions. Fish sauce or shrimp paste are mainstays of Thai dishes, and of course rice is eaten with most meals. Main dishes include hot and sour fish ragout, green and red curries, various soups and noodle dishes. Thai food is served with a variety of condiments and dipping sauces. Snacks and appetisers include fried peanuts, chicken, chopped ginger, peppers and slices of lime. There is an incredible variety of fruit available, either fresh or juiced. Sugar-cane juice and, for something stronger, rice whisky are favourite local tipples. Classical Thai music has similarities to Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Indonesian music. The traditional Thai orchestra is composed of woodwind, string and percussion instruments. The most significant is a double-handed drum; before a performance, the players make offerings of flowers and incense to the drum, which is considered to be the 'conductor' of the music's spiritual content. There are several forms of classical dance in Thailand. Most are intimately connected to drama, particularly the epic journey tale of Prince Rama's search for his beloved Princess Sita, who has been abducted by the evil demon Ravana. These dance performances feature elaborate costumes and masks. Monarchy and religion are the two sacred cows in Thailand. Thais are tolerant of most behaviour, as long as it doesn't insult one of these. Buddhism is the dominant religion, and orange-robed monks and gold, marble and stone Buddhas are common sights. The prevalent form of Buddhism practised is the Theravada school,which emphasises the potential of the individual to attain nirvana without the aid of saints or gurus. Make sure you are suitably dressed when visiting a temple - no shorts or singlets.

Temple etiquette
As with other places of worship, one should always be considerate and respectful. It is often forgotten that temples in Thailand are not just cute and offering a good photo opportunity. Most are still in 'use'. Just consider if you where participating in a religious service at home, and some bunch of tourists would enter your church, starting to take pictures of all statues and even your good self!
While using common sense goes a long way, there are maybe some particular sensitivities you need to know about when visiting Thai temples :
Dress properly. Clothing should cover shoulders and knees. Short skirts are not permitted. Some well visited sites have 'covering clothing' for hire for those who want to enter the temple compound.
You must remove your shoes before entering the temples. One can walk around wearing shoes in the compount itself though. In general people just leave their footwear at the entrance or stairs, but if you just happen to have purchased the latest expensive pair of Nike sportswear, maybe you should take it with you inside.
When sitting down in the wat, do not point you feet towards the altars or Buddha images. As a note, you should understand that feet are considered the 'lowest' part of the body, and you should also avoid pointing them to other people.
Women should never touch monks! Do not hand out something to them directly. Just use an intermediary, or place an item on a table.
Do not go around touching or having fun in front of Buddha images.
Be considerate when taking pictures. Using telelenses might be acceptable when photographing worshippers.

MUAY THAI

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"Muay Thai" is a national sport of thai society. It has held for competition continuously since Sukhothai period, between 1257 - 1377 AD. During the reign of King Pha Chao Sua, he disguised himself to box with ordinary people in 1702."The Tiger King" He loved Muay Thai so much that he often fought incognito in village contests, beating the local champions. During the reign of the Tiger King the nation was at peace. The King to keep the army busy, ordered it to train in Muay Thai. The interest in the sport was already high but now it took off yet again. In 1774 Nai Khanohm Tom was famous for his battle against a group of Burmese. Nai Khanom Tom was a prisoner of war in Burma. The Burmese had captured him when they sacked and burnt Thailand's ancient capital Ayutthaya. Nai Khanom Tom must have been a great fighter. Without pause, he took them on one by one through a battering and bruising contest. He defeated ten of Burma's best. King Mangra was one of the first to applaud the feat he had witnessed. 'Every part of the Thai is blessed with venom, even with his bare hands he can fell nine or ten opponents.' The King gave Nai Thanom Tom his freedom and he retuned to Ayutthaya. and a heroes welcome.

The army fostered Muay Thai. Soldiers have trained and used the techniques for as long as there has been an army in Thailand. For the military it has always been the close combat fighting skill, the martial art of the battlefield. When a Thai soldier fights hand to hand he uses Muay Thai. But then so does every Thai person, male or female. Watching it, learning it, copying it is a part of Thai childhood. It always has been. Muaythai became the favourite sport and pastime of the people, the army and the King. Historical sources show that people from all walks of life flocked to training camps. Rich, poor, young and old all wanted some of the action.

Every village staged its prize fights and had its champions. Every bout became a betting contest as well as a contest of local pride. The betting tradition has remained with the sport and today large sums are wagered on the outcome of fights. Muaythai compettition was an activity that earned income for boxers throughout Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods.

In 1921 the competition held on the ground floor with the width of 20 m. (spectators sit or stand around the boxers to form boundary) was no longer existed. a 4-foot ringwith two stairs to get on the ring replaced it mostly. The changes that the sport has undergone have been changes to equipment used rather than radical change. In 1923 it marked the end of the practice of "rope" wrappings around the knuckles entirely.

The police by the interior Ministry prescribed the boxers to worn gloves instead and groin guards.. The groin guard later became a triangular shaped pillow, red or blue, tied around the waist with a through strap between the legs. This innovation was also in response to the growing success of Thai Boxers in international boxing. the groin was a perfectly legal move up until the 1930's. In the early days, the protection was made from tree bark or sea shells held in place with a piece of cloth tied between the legs and around the waist. The establishment of stadiums, instead of makeshift rings and courtyards,began during the reign of Rama VII before the Second World War. During the war, they gradually disappeared but mushroomed again soon afterwards - MuayThai had not lost any of its appeal. The boxers from up-country once againheaded toward fame and fortune in Bangkok. The glory could be found at stadiums like Rajdamnern and Lumpinee. Muaythai live on air from the ring by TV. Ch3, Ch5, Ch7, Ch9, Ch11, ITV and UBC. The television fight broadcasts rate among the Kingdom's most popular programmes. In the provinces, villages cluster around any available TV to watch. In the city, people disappear from the streets while Thailand is watching Muay Thai. Other modern figures become legends because of a particular skill in the Muay Thai art. LikeApidej Sit-Hirun, known as 'The Champion of Seven Titles', the mostfearful kicker that Muay Thai may ever have seen, he once broke his opponent's arm with his kick strike. Thai Boxing is also becoming increasingly popular outside of Thailand. It has its enthusiasts and practitioners in the Americas,Australia, Europe, Holland, finland, Russia, and Japan as well as in many other countries around the world. Training camps have been set up in many countries, creatina large number of professional and amateur Muay Thai boxers, coached by many Thai as well as non-Thai Instructors. Today for Amatuer Muaythai have two international organization The International Amateur Muaythai Federation (IAMTF) had organized the First world Amateur Muay Thai Championships in 1995, The International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA) just manage Program "WORLD CUP 2000" Amateur Muaythai fighters wear protective helmets and padded vests. for internation Professional by World Muaythai Council (WMC), for Thailand Professional Muaythai associate of Thailand. every person about Muaythai (Boxer, Promoter..) protected by The laws of Muaythai, There is always a referee posted on the ring for each fight, There are competitions for Muaythai champional boxing are similar in their appearance to the society and being globalization. The world's communities accept them as sports for professionals.

THAI BOXING

The Story of Thai Boxing in Brief
 Thai boxing started way back in the medieval ages when wars were fought with bows and arrows, swords and pikes. And in close fighting the use of arms and legs, knees and elbows were formidable weapons. The sport which was included in military training was given prominence by King Naresuan 1560 A.D. During one of many battles between Myanmar and his country he was captured by the Myanmar, and knowing of his prowess as the best unarmed fighter in the realm, he was given the chance of fighting Myanmar's best with liberty the outcome. He quickly vanquished all his opponents who were no mean fighters themselves, and won his liberty. Upon his return to Siam he was hailed as a hero and Siamese style Boxing as it was called then was thereafter hailed as a national sport, and is the only country that can claim this. In those days up until just ten years ago in the provinces horse hide strips and later hemp was used in lieu of gloves. Boxing in this style reached its zenith of popularity about two hundred years ago in the reign of Pra Chao Sua when it was indulged in by every classes of the population.

RULES OF PROFESSIONAL THAI BOXING
(MUAY THAI)
INTRODUCTION

Muay Thai is a national form of martial art of Thailand which uses bare hands. It is a tradition to arrange Muay Thai matches in various festivals. Nowadays, it is well-known world-wide and various clubs have been established to promote and teach Muay Thai in many countries.
In our own country, Muay Thai has received much public support so that boxing stadiums have been established in almost every province. It is an important business that will boost the nation's economy and bring fame to our country.

In keeping up with the progress in modern society, the rules and regulations of Muay Thai have been kept updated, relying on the leadership of the government. But the original rules have not been ignored.

Nowadays, Muay Thai is popular and well-known in many other countries. Boxing equipment and stadiums have been devised individually. The Ratchadamnoen Stadium believes that Muay Thai is national Thai heritage, unique to our country, and should therefore be protected. It is a basis for further development to exceed other countries on this field. In order to reach this goal, it is necessary to improve and update the factors in administration and the rules and regulations, and to keep a written record as a guideline which can be changed or altered if necessary in the future.

Stadiums wishing to make use of these rules and regulations may do so freely.

RING
Muay Thai takes place in a raised square ring not more than 4ft. (120 cm) above the ground with steps to get up and down by. Each side must not be less than 19ft. (5.70 metres) long or more than 27ft. (8.20 metres) long.
The ring must be formed by 4 ropes, not more than 24ft. (7.30 metres) and not less than 16ft. (4.90 metres) in length on either side, each rope not less than 3/4 inch (2 centimetres) in diameter, supported by posts at 4 comers. The ropes must be covered by linen sponge or soft leather to prevent injury to boxers, placed parallel and taut at 1,2,3 and 4 ft. (0.30, 0.60, 0.90 and 1.20 metres) respectively above the floor of the ring. The floor space must extend farther than the ring for at least 3ft. (90 centimetres) on all sides, cushioned with soft cloth or straw mats or corkboards, etc. of at least 1 inch (2.50 centimetres) thickness to prevent injury in case of a fall and covered with canvas which is tightly and evenly stretched and fixed to the edges of the floor.

There is a restricted area extending 1 metre around each side of the ring for the ring personnel judges, doctor, time-keeper, mediator, and other officials as indicated by the stadium manager.

EQUIPMENT USED IN MUAY THAI FIGHT.
Equipment that is necessary for Muay Thai matches must be provided by the stadium :-
1. a stopwatch.
2. a signal gong.
3. a warning bell.
4. boxing gloves of various sizes according to the rules.
5. equipment to provide water for boxers.
6. Additional personal accessories for boxers who have not prepared their own:- boxing shorts in red or blue, jock straps, surgical tape, or sacred cords.

THE TRADITIONAL MUAY THAI MATCHES
Contestants must pay homage to their teachers in a praying ritual accompanied by Thai musical instruments-the "Pi" (Java pipe), Glawng Chana (drum), and Ching (symbols). These instruments also accompany each bout of fighting and will stop during rest period.

RULES OF MUAY THAI MATCHES
1. Boxing matches in Thailand must receive written permission from the government.
2. A Muay Thai contest is divided into no more than 5 rounds, each 3 minutes long, with 1 two-minute rest period in between . No additional rounds allowed.
3. Boxers must wear gloves, each weighing not less than 6 ounces (172 grams.) The glove must not be squeezed , kneaded or crushed to change its original shape.
4. Contestants must receive medical examination from the stadium doctor and be declared fit to fight.
5. Contestants must weigh in naked and their weight must not exceed the limit in their weight division.
6. Contestants must perform 4 and 5 not less than 6 hours before the fight.
7. Rules on contestants' boxing costumes.
7.1 Contestants must wear only trunks (red of blue according to their corners) appropriately fit their bodies.
7.2 Wear no shirts nor shoes. Ankle cap, however, is permitted.
7.3 A sacred cord known as Mongkol can be worn around the head only during the pre-fight ritual of paying homage to ancestral teachers of Muay Thai, to be removed before the start of the actual fight.
7.4 Amulets may be wrapped around biceps or waists completely covered in pieces to cloth.
7.5 Metal or other material that will be dangerous to the opponent is prohibited.
7.6 Contestants must wear standard supporters or sturdy athletic cups to protect their groin. Gum shield may be used.
8. The application of vaseline, hot ointment, fat, herb or other on body or glove that will cause any disadvantage to the opponent is prohibited.
9. It is permitted to bind the hand with soft surgical bandage not longer than 12 yards and not wider than 2 inches. Adhesive tape may be placed on the back of the hand or on the bandage.
10. Qualifications of contestants.
10.1 Contestants must have been taught the art of Muay Thai by a teacher.
10.2 Contestants must understand the rules of Muay Thai matches.
10.3 They must be healthy.
10.4 They must not have any contagious or socially unacceptable diseases or be addicted to drugs.
10.5 They must be of an appropriate age.
10.6 Under-aged contestants must receive permission from their parents and guardians.
10.7 They must not misbehave or break any social or ring etiquettes.
10.8 Contestants from boxing camps must receive permission from their manager.
10.9 Changing of camps or managers must be in accordance with stadium rules.
11. Weight Categories. Standard divisions of boxers and weight limits are:
11.1 Mini Flyweight not over 105 Ibs.
11.2 Junior Flyweight not over 108 Ibs.
11.3 Flyweight not over 112 Ibs.
11.4 Junior Bantamweight not over 115 Ibs.
11.5 Bantamweight not over 118 Ibs.
11.6 Junior Featherweight not over 122 Ibs.
11.7 Featherweight not over 126 Ibs.
11.8 Junior Lightweight not over 130 Ibs.
11.9 Lightweight not over 135 Ibs.
11.10 Junior Welterweight not over 140 Ibs.
11.11 Welterweight not over 147 Ibs.
11.12 Junior Middleweight not over 154 Ibs.
11.13 Middleweight not over 160 Ibs.
11.14 Light Heavyweight not over 175 Ibs.
11.15 Heavy weight over 175 Ibs.
12. Muay Thai matches, ranking, and championship contests in each division must comply with the rules and regulations which are set by Ratchadamnoen Stadium.
13. Each contestant can have 2 seconds or handlers in his corner. In a title bout 3 are allowed. When in the ring, boxers, handlers or those involved in the fight must respect the orders of the referee according to the set rules.
14. Muay Thai referees must be well-learned and qualified in handling Muay Thai contests according to the stadium's rules and regulations.
15. There are 3 officials who handle a bout. These officials comprise 2 judges and 1 referee who is also acting as a judge.
16. There must be a timekeeper in every contest, being responsible for timing all the rounds and the intervals, giving signals with a bell. 5 seconds before every round the time keeper will give a signal with a buzzer for seconds to get out. Seconds or handlers must leave the ring promptly. If the fight is stopped for any reason than the end of a round, the timekeeper must do as instructed by the referee to have an extension or not.
17. There must be at least one ring announcer to announce the result of the events and to give other necessary information about Muay Thai and the contests to spectators.
18. Referee will order the fight to start when:
18.1 the boxers have finished their pre-fight ritual of paying homage to their ancestral Muay Thai teachers, according to the Thai tradition.
18.2 the referee will call both boxers to meet him in the middle of the ring to give his final briefing on some of the rules and responsibilities of both parties. Then the referee will order them to go back to their corners and take off their sacred cords. When the boxers are ready, the referee will order the start of the fight and the time keeper will give a gong signal and start timing the fight.
19. Verdict or decision by referees is final.
20. The outcome of the contest may be one of the following five ways:-
20.1 Knock Out (K.O.) - To strike an opponent so effectively that he falls to the floor or hangs on the rope or fall off the ring and is unable to resume the contest before the referee counts 1-10; or to knock an opponent out of the ring and he cannot get back before the count of ten; such a contest ending in a knock out.
20.2 Technical Knock Out (T.K.O) - Decision of referee in stopping a fight because one contestant, though not knocked out, is not in a fit state to continue; or he cannot come out to fight at the bell of a new round; or he is so badly cut that it is too dangerous to continue; or the referee can consult with the stadium doctor before deciding to stop the fight.
20.3 Surrender - One contestant give in voluntarily.
20.4 Foul - when one contestant is dismissed from the ring because of a serious foul, the decision is awarded to his opponent.
20.5 Decision on points.
21. For disobedient boxers who do not follow the referee's orders, or whose fights considered to be collusions or sham fights, the contest chairman, the referee and head of the judges have a right to declare "stop contest and no decision."
22. The full score for each boxer in each round is 10 points. The boxer who wins the round will get 10 points; the other, of course, will get less, but not less than 6. In the case of a draw, each will receive 10 points for the round.
The judges must award points to contestants on the given scorecards. When each contest ends, the judges must declare the boxer who gets higher total of the two as the winner. If both boxers get equal scores, the judges must declare a draw.

The referee will decide the winner by unanimous decision or by majority , 2 out of 3. The bout will be a draw if 2 give it a draw. But if there are 3 contradicting scores, a win, a loss and a draw, the verdict will be a draw.

23. The Principles of Scoring will be as Follows:
23.1 Hitting with punch, foot, knee and elbow according to the Muay Thai rules, the officials will also consider the effectiveness of the strike, its strength, target and how much it causes disadvantage to the opponent.
23.2 Defensive ability to evade the opponent's attack.
23.3 Attacking and fighting skill.
23.4 If both boxers score equal totals, the one who was more offensive in the fight
will be given an advantage.
23.5 The referee is authorized to deduct only 1 point at a time, as a penalty to any contestant.
24. FOUL. A foul is constituted by:-
24.1 Behaving or talking impolitely.
24.2 Intentionally using his head to attack the opponent.
24.3 Butting, biting , picking or pressing the eye; pulling the hair, spitting on an opponent.
24.4 Wrestling; falling intentionally over a fallen opponent and elbowing or kneeing him; throwing down an opponent by the means of Judo or Wrestling.
24.5 Intentionally falling on the fallen opponent, pressing elbow or knee upon him.
24.6 Deliberately striking a fallen opponent.
24.7 Punching, kicking, spurring with foot, kneeing, elbowing, etc., at an opponent while holding the rope.
24.8 Cunningly avoid the opponents' attacks, such as by feinting to fall or slip under the rope, or hide behind the referee.
24.9 Intentionally kicking or kneeing at the opponent's protection cup.
25. Violation of rules. The referee should act as follows:-
25.1 A contestant who violates the rules intentionally but does not put the opponent at disadvantage or hurt him, will be given one warning or have one point deducted.
25.2 A contestant who violates the rules intentionally and put the opponent at an disadvantage or make him unable to continue the fight, may lose the fight through foul, or the referee may discontinue the fight with no decision. (If the violator's scores are higher.)
25.3 In case of an unintentional violation which causes injury so serious that the fight can not be continued, the referee should stop the contest and give a TKO decision to the leading scorer or a TKO draw if the scores are equal.
25.4 In case of an unintentional violation, the referee can give two warnings. The third warning will result in a loss, or the fight may be stopped with no decision.
26. A contestant may protest a foul his opponent commits against him by reporting to the referee who will make decision immediately. If the protest does not fit what is stated under the rules number 24 and 25, the referee may order the fight to continue.
27. When one side is fallen, the referee may act as follows:-
27.1 The referee must order the other contestant to retreat to the farthest corner immediately then starts counting from 1 to 10.
27.2 If the other contestant disobeys the referee's order, he must stop counting and order the violator to conform before continue his count.
27.3 If the fallen boxer gets up before the count of ten and before eight, the referee must continue to count until eight and order the fight to continue. If the boxer is not in fighting condition and cannot continue the fight, the referee must continue to count until ten. If the "fallen" boxer get up before the count of 10 but falls down without being hit again, the referee must continue counting.
27.4 If both boxer: fall down together, the referee must start to count and continue counting even though one boxer has got up and the other is still down. When the count of 10. But, after the count of 10, if both boxers still cannot get up, the bout is declared a draw.
27.5 The bell will not save the boxers from being declared knocked out except in the last round.
28. In the interpretation of these rules, if there is any question in consequence to the contest and not specified by the rules, it is up to the stadium manager and the judges to decide, relying on Muay Thai tradition as guidelines.

There are four stadiums well - known to boxing lovers :
 RATCHADAMNOEN STADIUM (Tel. 2814205) Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue (next to TAT) every Monday, Wednesday at 6.00 pm., Thursday at 5.00 p.m., 9 p.m. and Sunday at 4.00 p.m., 8 p.m.
 LUMPINI STADIUM (Tel. 2514303) Rama IV Road, every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday at 6.00 pm.
 SAM RONG STADIUM (Tel.3933592) in Samut Prakarn every Tuesday at 8.30 p.m. and Friday at 8.15 p.m.
 RANGSIT STADIUM (Tel. 5313394) in Pratum Thani province every Monday at 8.00 p.m.

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