Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium — Attraction in Wat Sommanat Subdistrict

This is my virgin experience watching a Muay Thai Fight live. The location I have selected was Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium as it was known to be the more traditional stadium for Muay Thai Fights. There are other locations to watch live Muay Thai fights in Bangkok such as Asiatique. I went there on public bus and was caught in the evening jam. I arrive around 5.30pm and the first match has started.

Upon reaching the venue, I have to obtain my admission ticket at the counter as I bought the tickets online. Then I was ushered to an area before the entrance to the ring to do covid test. I did not know that it’s a requirement to do this covid test before approval to enter and this is my virgin PCR test as well. After the medical staff “poked” my nose, I finally have admission rights.

I entered and was already crowded with mainly locals. I can see some foreigners like me and the majority of foreigners booked the more expensive seats very near to the ring. There were a lot of shouting and hand symbols among the local thais. Then I realised that while the fight is going on, another activity is also ongoing - punting.

Overall, there are 8 matches for the night. I watched the first four and came the break around 7.30pm. Based on the schedule on paper, the break lasts for 2 hours and the next 4 matches should start at 9.30pm. I went to the gents and asked the staff what time will the break end and was notified about 30mins instead.

The second round indeed started around 8pm. There were some foreigners who came back at 9pm and noticed that the second half had already began.

For the first and second session, there were matches ranging from more junior fighters to top level fights. The 4th match of each session is supposed to be the highlight of the session.

I began to write down notes on the rules of the game. There are 4 white boxes, with a judge seated in it, on each side of the square ring. Should there be no knockout, the referee will eventually collect a vote from these four judges and the winner is announced.

Here are the rules I have noticed: The electronic board at the ceiling of the ring indicates Match Number on the LEFT and Round Number on the RIGHT. Maximum round per match is 5 rounds. Each round is 3 mins. Each break between rounds is 2 mins, countdown by the electrical board. At the 9sec countdown, you will hear two rings to notify the fighters. Once the countdown timer ends, you will hear a sound to indicate the commencement or recommencement of the round.

It’s really exciting and everyone should watch a live Muay Thai fight in their lifetime. Although this is a super intense fight and injuries and knockouts may occur, it is a very well organised and regulated sporting event...

Very fun. We got there early so we could get the second row up; what we thought were the best seats in the open seating. I went in Saturday which is free beer night from Leo, which is fun. It doesn’t cost extra and it really is unlimited. Unfortunately, the cheap seats (1500 baht) are too expensive for most locals, so that means it’s almost entirely tourists, such as myself. I only say unfortunate as we had beer cascade down from several seats up north less than 5 times, three of which were by the same European guy who fell and hit his head twice before his friends escorted him out for being too hammered. Speaking of which, there were a lot of Aussies and Europeans, to the point where it felt like a home game for some of the European fighters. The French in particular were loud and supportive of their fighter.

The food is a bit pricey for Bangkok, but hey, you’re at a stadium that’s to be expected. I made the mistake of not eating before I got to the area, as there is very little food available outside the stadium aside from a few slim options of street food.

The fights themselves were pretty entertaining, they vary in the level of entertainment, but that’s any combat sport.

It was my first time seeing Muay Thai in person, and it was pretty enjoyable, save the beer covered pants I wore home in my taxi.

Everything is in English, which is good for any newcomers to the sports, but that right there tells you this probably isn’t something the locals are doing daily, at least not at this stadium. So if that’s what you’re looking for I’d check elsewhere. But if you don’t mind the tourist flavor ( nothing wrong with wanting to understand the language being spoken)

Also fun side note. They throw out free tee-shirts ( most went out to the vip section) but we caught one.

If I went again, I might suggest paying for the club upgrade, or sitting a few rows higher than I did. Maybe you’ll have less beer on your backside, good luck...

Rajadamnern Stadium is a famous venue in Thailand for the traditional sport of Muay Thai. Located in Bangkok, it's considered one of the most prestigious stadiums for Muay Thai fights. The stadium has a rich history, dating back to 1941 when it was established by the Thai government to promote the sport.

The stadium has a unique atmosphere, with crowds cheering loudly and enthusiastically during fights. The energy is palpable, creating an electrifying experience for both spectators and fighters alike. Visitors can immerse themselves in the culture of Muay Thai and witness the skill and athleticism of the fighters up close.

The fights at Rajadamnern Stadium feature some of the best Muay Thai fighters from Thailand and around the world. These athletes showcase their talents in various weight classes, delivering powerful strikes, swift kicks, and strategic maneuvers throughout the matches.

In addition to the main events, the stadium also hosts undercard fights, providing opportunities for up-and-coming fighters to gain experience and showcase their skills. This adds to the excitement of the overall event, as spectators witness a range of talent and styles on display.

The stadium itself is well-maintained and offers comfortable seating for spectators. There are also facilities for refreshments and souvenirs, allowing visitors to enjoy the fights while staying refreshed and taking home mementos of their experience.

Overall, Rajadamnern Stadium offers a captivating and authentic glimpse into the world of Muay Thai. Whether you're a dedicated fan of the sport or simply curious about experiencing a unique cultural phenomenon, attending a fight at Rajadamnern Stadium is sure to be an...