From reading about the history of Thailand it’s easy to get a rough idea about the people and their kingdom; however, what may not be so easy to understand is how they developed such a powerful and devastating fighting system that has earned respect the world around. Today, the ring sport of Muay Thai is considered only a sport to many who don’t understand the origins of this amazing style. Those seeking to become pupils, called Nak Muay, must develop a deeper bond between student and master which practictioners in the West don't seem to understand. There is greater respect and certain rituals that simply are performed here in the West. Homage is paid to the master during this ceremony of Yok Kruu and respect is given by Nak Muay. Muay Thai didn’t become so powerful and respected simply by accepting all who were willing to pay. Nor was it a sport that was developed over night. Over the course of many centuries various regional kingdoms developed different fighting systems that later were united to create Muay Boran, which later became Muay Thai.

Before Thailand was united, it was the Kingdom of Siam. Before Siam there were different regional kingdoms and unique fighting systems from those different regions. At the beginning of the Thonburi period of Siam, after the end of the Ayuthaya period, King Phra Thaksin pushed all invaders out of the Kingdom of Siam. This started the Chakri dynasty. It was under the rule of King Rama I that united the separate Kingdoms or regions of Siam that into modern day Thailand. As Siam became more united, over hundreds years, so did the styles. They have transformed from the ancient styles like Siam has transformed into Thailand. Muay Kaad Chuak, more commonly known as Muay Boran, is the main style rooted from the different regions after the union of Thailand.

After the many wars against the invaders were over, fighters or practitioners began to fight against each other in ring fights. They would compete locally earning respect, fame, and profit from the by showing that their style was the best. These competitions were often performed in front of the King where fighters from different style background would wrap their hands in cotton twine and prove their style to be superior to the others. According to information from www.ancientmuaythai.com this period of time was Muay Kaad Chuak began to decline during the 1920’s and was prohibited by the government after a death in the ring had happened. Despite this there were still underground fights occurring. Fighters began to apply rules adding better protection for fighters. After a short time the sport of Muay Thai was formed.

Below is a list of the different Muay Boran styles, each having their own regional characteristics of each style. All additional information can be found at www.ancientmuaythai.com. From their website you will also learn more about ancient Muay Thai and about the newest style of Muay Chaiyut, Muay Nawarat, and Muay Sangha (the fighting style from this website).

Ancient Regional Styles

Paak Tai - Southern Styles

Muay Chaiya

Muay Maa Yang

Eesaan - Eastern Style

Muay Korat

Paak Klang - Central Styles

Bangkok Style

Muay Lopburi

Muay Ayuthaya

Paak Nuua - Northern Style

Paak Nuua Muay Lampang

Muay Uttaadit

Modern "New" Muay Boran Styles

Muay Chaiyut

Muay Nawart

Muay Sangha

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