Muay Thai, which translates to Thai Boxing, was originally devised as a hand-to-hand combat method in the 13th century during the Sukhothai Kingdom. Since then, Muay Thai has transcended into a global sporting phenomenon and a deeply ingrained fixture of Thai society. The exponential growth and sustained popularity of it have transformed the martial arts into a valuable instrument and outlet for positive change in Thailand. To the lives it touches, Muay Thai offers a valuable avenue of social mobility, escapism and sanctuary and vital supplementary income.

Poverty in Thailand

Thailand is one of the economically wealthiest nations in Southeast Asia because of its vast manufacturing, agricultural and tourism sectors. However, wealth and income inequality in Thailand remains among the highest in the world. However, over the past few decades, Thailand has made considerable positive developments in poverty reduction.

Yet, in recent times, this progression has stalled, as poverty rates in Thailand are now recorded at 5.4% in urban areas and as high as 8.4% in rural areas. Additionally, the multidimensional poverty rates remain at 0.5% higher than monetary poverty, meaning that although the financial earnings of many people in Thailand may lift them above the poverty line, their access to education, health care and overall proper living standards remains limited.

Muay Thai

Muay Thai is known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” as it incorporates the use of the hands, elbows, knees and feet. It is incredibly physically demanding and often ferocious. The central techniques of it consist of the Teep kick, clinch and striking with both elbows and knees. Muay Thai is distinctly unique through its incorporation of spiritual and traditional elements. Before each fight, fighters wear a headband called the Mongkhon and engage in a ritual dance known as the Wai Kru Ram Muay.

As part of this traditional performance, the fighters circle the ring in an anti-clockwise direction, kneeling and bowing three times before performing an elaborate dance. The ritual is performed in traditional Thai music and conveys respect to the opponent, trainers and sport. The practice of Muay Thai embodies and demonstrates many fundamental characteristics such as perseverance, bravery and honor, all of which are highly valued and important to Thai culture and society. The reflection of the societal and cultural values in Muay Thai underpins the enduring popularity and stature of the martial art in Thailand.

How Muay Thai Helps Combat Poverty in Thailand

Muay Thai is a profound sanctuary and economic opportunity provider to many people in Thailand. In many rural communities, subsistence agricultural work is governed by seasonal changes; thus, competing in Muay Thai events provides a significant income supplementation. Even competing at a modest local level provides fighters with an income considerably higher than the average village worker. Furthermore, as many fighters live in the gyms, their earnings after gym expenses can be directly pocketed.

The global interest in Muay Thai has also created an increased demand for training camps, as people from all over the world travel to Thailand to sample the intense training required to compete in martial arts and learn from native experts. Moreover, areas renowned for their events, such as Bangkok and Pattaya, have seen considerable uptake in their hospitality and services sectors, creating jobs for several people.

Conclusion

Muay Thai is helping to contribute to the reduction of poverty and empower communities across Thailand. Through its wide-ranging and invaluable transformative powers, it provides an alternative route out of poverty by supporting income generation and facilitating social mobility. It also creates tangible aspirations of escaping poverty by mastering a highly valued and respected art for millions of impoverished children.

– Ollie Roberts

Ollie is based in North Wales and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons