As in most countries around the world, soccer is the most popular team sport in Thailand. When it comes to individual sports, Thailand is all about combat sports. It isn’t a surprise as martial arts have a centuries-long history in Thailand. Modern Thailand has athletes competing in practically all combat sports. However, some have much larger followings than others. Thailand’s own home grown martial arts are quite popular but are they the most popular martial arts?
Muay Thai
In the world of Thai combat sports, everything seems to start and end with Muay Thai. The sport is also called Thai boxing in some circles. Muay Thai combines stand-up striking with certain clinching methods, making use of all four limbs. Muay Thai traces its history to ancient times. The modern version is based on a discipline practiced during the 16th century. In its early days, Muay Thai was practiced almost exclusively by soldiers. In the 21st century, it’s popularity has grown exponentially, giving opportunities for businesses to thrive, especially the ones who offer apparels like Muay Thai shorts and gears to Muay Thai fans all over the world.
Today, Muay Thai is a sport enjoyed by almost everyone in Thailand. The sport’s popularity is linked to the traditions of betting on martial arts. Today there are many online sports books and forums where people debate fights and share tips for betting on Thai boxing. Recently Muay Thai has gained popularity outside of Thailand. It is becoming one of the most popular combat sports in the entire world. Since summer 2021, Muay Thai is also an Olympic sport.
Pro Wrestling
When most people think of pro wrestling, WWE comes to mind. As the world’s largest and most successful pro wrestling federation, the WWE has been integral in the sport’s success. Pro wrestling has seen a huge surge in popularity in Asia over the past couple of decades. The popularity of WWE in Thailand has seen huge gains recently. Many WWE stars like Mick Foley have helped to drive this surge. The story goes that Foley has become a part of a Thai pro wrestling promotion called SETUP. As a legend in the sport, he’s been able to bring many new fans to Thailand.
Boxing
By “boxing” Thai people usually refer to Muay Thai. Western style boxing is also incredibly popular in Thailand. It has been a part of Thai culture and martial arts for decades. Muay Thai and Western boxing are very similar. This similarity allowed many athletes to naturally become involved in both sports. Samart Payakaroon is a particularly prominent example. Now in his late fifties, Payakaroon is considered one of the greatest Muay Thai fighters of all time. In addition to various Muay Thai titles, he also has a World Boxing Championship title to his name.
Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a martial art that was born shortly after WWII. Korean martial artists combined several traditional disciplines from different parts of Asia. This combination of techniques from different locales made it popular around Asia. Thailand was not immune to this popularity. Taekwondo is currently one of the most popular martial arts among fans. Thai athletes have been very successful in Taekwondo in the last couple of years. Panipak “Tennis” Wongpattanakit, a Thai Taekwondo star, is is ranked #1 in the entire world.
MMA
The relationship between Thailand and MMA is actually quite complicated. The Thai government has historically opposed the sport. It was considered too brutal for Thailand. In 2012, the Thailand Sports Authority banned MMA.
About four years after barring MMA the government decided to revisit the decision. In 2016, the government gave the green light to the first major MMA event in the Thailand. The historic event was hosted by Singaporean ONE Championship. The organization not only promotes MMA events but also combat sports events. They have had particular success promoting kickboxing and Muay Thai events.
Despite Thai athlete’s ability to take part in MMA matches, most of them still prefer Muay Thai. Thai athletes that dominate the Muay Thai section of ONE Championship. There are five weight classes in Muay Thai. As of the writing of this article, Thai athletes occupy the top spot in four of those classes.
