“What has happened in Muay Thai, unfortunately, is a sloppy attempt to merge all styles, based on a dubious claim that the sport is homogeneous and should not be divided. This approach shows a lack of proper study and a disregard for the origin, environment, and natural conditions that shape the unique identity of each regional style.”

The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage is delighted to share with you today the twenty-second article from “Heritage Matters”, a monthly series aimed at identifying the challenges and opportunities of cultural heritage conservation published by The Siam Society in the Bangkok Post.

As global interest in Muay Thai grows, bringing with it commercialisation and transformations to the discipline, Somsak Wiwatpaisal calls on relevant stakeholders and government agencies to work with folk masters to preserve the sport’s authentic styles and lineage, proposing a path to development that pays respect to traditional knowledge as a valuable cultural resource.

The full article can be read here.

Somsak Wiwatpaisal, an apprentice of Khru Bua Wat Im (Lt Bua Nin-acha), heads the Korat Muay Thai Preservation Group. Heritage Matters is a column produced by The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage to advocate conservation of the architectural, cultural and natural heritage of Thailand and the neighbouring region. The views expressed are those of the author.