Thai Boxing Dance

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present the Thai boxing dance in the aspects of its history, and the major as well as minor elements. The Thai boxing dance performance has developed from Thai martial art, also known as “Muay Thai”.  The data was collected from structural interview, and the interviewees were Thai boxing dance project owners and the Thai boxing dance committee. Information was also retrieved from previous film records, and digital media. It was found that Thai boxing dance competition was initiated in 2552 B.E. (2009) and has been held for eight consecutive years until 2559 B.E. (2016). The winner of each year would receive the trophy from “His Majesty Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun.” By rule, the competitors must perform Muay Thai master worship, the combat of fists, shins, knee and elbows, and the art of self-defense. The competitors must wear Mongkhon (headband), Handwraps, Prajiad (armbands), and other clothes can be designed as they please. The performance can be presented in the form of storytelling based on any literatures.