An insight into some of the most popular traditional sports in Thailand.

Thailand, the Land of Smiles, is an exotic country in the Southeast Asia. While mentioning all the other attractions, we often forget about the enormous tradition of sports across the country. These sports, being an integral part of the Thai culture, reflect the rich lifestyle as well as unity of the people living in this land. The Thais organize sporting events as a medium of entertainment in various ceremonies and festivals. Although there are several new sports getting popular nowadays, the traditional ones still hold a special place among the sports enthusiasts in Thailand.

Muay Thai (Thai Boxing): Muay Thai is a unique martial art form which dates back to the 13th century. This stands out from all the other stand-up combat sports with the use of 8 points of contact such as knees, elbows, fists etc. Also, each fight combines several traditional elements like Wai Kru Ram Muay, Mongkon, Sarama etc. This sport has been getting a lot of global popularity since late 20th century.

Kaeng Ruer (Boat Racing): Kaeng Ruer, originated during the Ayutthaya period, is a widely popular traditional sport in Thailand. The sport involves a furious boat racing where each team consists of 8 to 10 oarsmen and a helmsman. The races are usually organized during September - November to celebrate the end of the rainy season. The boats, made of hardwood (like Takhian), are tied to a colored cloth to honor the guardian spirits.

Makruk (Thai Chess): Makruk is a board game originated from the traditional Indian chess. It is played on a square chessboard between two players. Both of the opponents move their chessmen strategically in order to checkmate the Khun (King) of the other player. The sport involves several rules that differ from the international chess.

Chon Wua (Bull Fighting): Chon Wua is a traditional form of entertainment in the southern province of Thailand. This sport, dating back to the Ayutthaya period, is usually staged during the local festivities. It involves a fight between two bulls of equal size, strength and skills. The participants have to undergo a year of training before entering the ring. The fight continues until one bull gets retreated by the other one.

Len Wow (Kite Flying): Len Wow is the most practiced sport during the months of March through May in Thailand. While the sport has been practiced since the 13th and 14th century (Sukhothai period), it got more popular from the reign of King Rama IV. This sport involves a battle between two different types of kites: Chula (male kite) and Pakpao (female kite). Also, the participants need to follow a number of rules and regulations in this sport.

Some other traditional Thai sports are Takro Lot Huang, Tak Ball, Takraw, Sepak Takraw etc.