The Dark Side of Muay Thai Tourism

Not long after I arrived in Thailand, I went to a local stadium to watch a few of my teammates fight. There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere of those old-school Thai stadiums—concrete, metal, and packed with locals placing bets, and yelling at the action. But here’s something to keep in mind: many of these smaller stadiums are not where the next generation of top Thai fighters are battling it out. You could almost call them 'show' or 'tourist' stadiums.

The Fight That Shouldn't Have Happened

I’d settled into my seat, excited for a night of Muay Thai action. What I didn’t realize was how these events are sometimes set up. One particular fight that evening has stuck with me to this day. A young woman from England, around 21 or 22, was fighting.

She was representing a famous Muay Thai gym in Phuket, decked out in a flashy robe you'd expect to see in a Batman movie. Her team was with her, GoPros rolling to capture every second. It was clear this was a significant moment for her, probably her first fight in Thailand, perhaps even her first-ever bout. To add spectacle, it was for a title belt. Naturally, I assumed she’d face the local stadium champion.

Then her opponent walked in, and the unease hit me. The Thai girl looked about 14 or 15 years old and didn't look like she'd ever stepped foot in a Muay Thai gym before. She was significantly smaller, and at least 15-20 kilos lighter. Her corner consisted of what I presumed to be her father and younger sibling, offering moral support. It was painfully obvious this wasn’t going to be a fair fight.

A Brutal Mismatch

The fight started, and the English girl teeped her opponent straight in the face within seconds (A move considered highly disrespectful in Thailand). The poor Thai girl didn’t even know how to hold a proper guard. What followed was 60 seconds of the English fighter pummeling her: rushing in, landing strikes with ease as the Thai girl cowered in the corner. Thankfully, the referee jumped in and stopped the fight after 60 seconds.

The English girl’s team rushed to the ring, celebrating like she’d just won a world title. Cameras rolling, capturing the moment of her becoming the new ‘Phuket Women’s Champion.’

The Social Media Facade

For weeks after, clips of the fight flooded social media, edited to make it seem like a career-defining performance by the English girl. The narrative painted her as a rising star in the Phuket Muay Thai scene.

Those of us in the know saw it for what it was. Her skills were basic at best; her aggressive style was enough only because of the gigantic disparity in opponent experience and her huge weight advantage. What struck me was how oblivious she and her supporters seemed to be and the fight’s utter imbalance, all for the sake of capturing content and gaining social media clout.

Meanwhile, I couldn’t stop thinking about the Thai girl. She clearly shouldn’t have been in the ring that night. Her father likely accepted a meager 5000 THB (roughly £115) to allow her to take part in this beatdown. It was a heartbreaking reminder of the sacrifices some Thai families make just to scrape by.

Fighting in Thailand as a Foreign Nak Muay

If you’re a foreigner dreaming of training Muay Thai in Thailand and stepping into the ring, take this story as a cautionary tale. Fighting here is an incredible experience, but true Muay Thai is built on honor, respect, and authenticity.

Matches like the one I witnessed do no justice to the sport’s rich culture and history. Here are some important tips for those considering fighting professionally in Thailand:

Choose Reputable Gyms: Opt for a gym with a solid reputation for respecting its fighters, both local and foreign. Look for gyms that emphasize proper training and ethical matchmaking. Sometimes the matchmaking will be solely down to the stadium promoter though, but it's often the same gyms caught up in these social media facades.
Understand the Stadium Landscape: Not all stadiums are equal. Prestigious venues like Lumpinee and Rajadamnern are where the top-level fighters compete. Smaller 'show' or 'tourist' stadiums often prioritize entertaining tourists over true competitive bouts. It's rare to see the elite Thais fighting foreigners at these stadiums.
Matchmaking Matters: Ensure your gym or trainer carefully pairs you with a suitable opponent. A fair fight respects the skill levels and weight classes of both participants. You don't want to be fighting a tuk-tuk driver, and you also don't want to be facing a former Bangkok-level fighter if you're a beginner.
Respect Thai Culture: Remember, Muay Thai is deeply ingrained in Thai culture. Enter the sport with humility and a willingness to learn its traditions and values. Don't disrespect your opponent or your opponent's team.