Learn · culture · sources read 3 Nov 2026
Muay boran and the four regional styles
Muay boran ("ancient boxing") is the umbrella name for Thailand's older unarmed fighting arts, from before modern Muay Thai's gloves, rings and rules came in during the 1920s and 1930s (Wikipedia). The Tourism Authority of Thailand names four regional styles: Muay Chaiya from the south (Surat Thani), Muay Korat from the north-east (Nakhon Ratchasima), Muay Lopburi from central Thailand and Muay Tha Sao from the north (Uttaradit). Fighters once bound their hands in rope instead of wearing gloves.
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The four regional styles
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) names four regional styles and the province each comes from. We show what TAT says, then what the other sources add.
| Style | Region and home | What TAT says | What other sources add | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muay Chaiya | South: Chaiya District, Surat Thani | "seven outstanding characteristics", including the stance, the wai kru and using the whole body as a weapon | Wikipedia says it was famous under Kings Rama V and Rama VI and can be used against heavier opponents. The Thailand Foundation describes a "tight defence" built on timing and counters, the three-step Yang Sam Khum, and fists bound in raw rope. | TAT · Wikipedia · Thailand Foundation |
| Muay Korat | North-east: Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) | powerful kicks and punches, including a wide swinging punch TAT calls the "buffalo swing fist" | Wikipedia says it was popular there from Rama V's reign and uses wide strikes from long range, straight strikes up close and neck holds to set up strikes. | TAT · Wikipedia |
| Muay Lopburi | Central: Lopburi | a "quick and evasive" way of fighting | Wikipedia calls it one of the oldest styles and says it stresses speed, footwork and constant pressure. Its claim of a 7th-century start has no second source we could find, so treat it as unconfirmed. | TAT · Wikipedia |
| Muay Tha Sao | North: Uttaradit | "fast and versatile", mixing Thai and Chinese fighting techniques | Wikipedia calls it a newer style whose strength is defence: quick changes of stance and posture, and guarding against leg kicks. Also written Thasao. | TAT · Wikipedia |
Before gloves: rope-bound hands
Wikipedia says fighters began binding their hands and forearms in hemp rope, which protected the fist. The Thai word is kard chuek. In the 1920s and 1930s, competitions were modernised and many older techniques fell away (Wikipedia).
A story the sources call legend
LegendThe Thailand Foundation says a monk from Bangkok, remembered as Poh Than Ma, settled in Chaiya and taught fighting at Wat Thoong Jub Chang, and that the style passed through Chaiya's ruler, Phraya Waji Sattayarak. It also says a fighter from that camp, Plong Chamnongthong, won a bout before King Rama V in 1909. We found no second source for these, so we mark them as legend.
Muay boran today
- In competition. IFMA's rulebook runs Wai Kru and Mai Muay events with a traditional muay boran uniform (rule 42), a live Pi Muay band or recorded music (rule 43), and the mongkol worn until the fighter pulls it down to the neck to begin Mai Muay (rule 47.2.2). IFMA rules v3.057, read 3 Nov 2026.
- At festivals. In 2024, its second year, TAT's "Amazing Muay Thai Experience" took each style to its home province:
Where (style) When Venue Surat Thani (Muay Chaiya) 2-4 Aug 2024 Chaloem Phrakiat 84th Birthday Anniversary Public Park, Chaiya District Uttaradit (Muay Tha Sao) 16-18 Aug 2024 Wat Yai Tha Sao, Mueang District Nakhon Ratchasima (Muay Korat) 6-8 Sep 2024 Meru Bhramathat, Phimai District Lopburi (Muay Lopburi) 13-15 Sep 2024 King Narai's Palace, Mueang District - In the ritual. The sarama music and the ram muay dance before modern fights keep older forms alive: see our ram muay and wai kru guide.
Where to learn it
Two camps on Atlas say on their own sites that they teach it. Ask the camp before you book: courses and class times change.
- Sangha Muay Thai (Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai): its course page prints a Muay Chaiya intensive course, intermediate level (the camp's course page, read 3 Nov 2026). Dates are on our fixed-date camps 2027 page. Ask Sangha.
- Luktupfah Muay Thai and Muay Boran School (on the edge of Bangkok): says it runs "daily classes in Muay Thai & Muay Boran" (the camp's own site, read 3 Nov 2026). Ask Luktupfah.
- Tiger Muay Thai (Phuket) lists Muay Boran and Krabi Krabong classes inside its Muay Thai Training package (the camp's price page, read 1 Nov 2026). Our Tiger prices page shows the camp's own figures.
- Want to train in Korat itself? TK Yutthana Boxing Camp is in Nakhon Ratchasima. Its site doesn't say it teaches Muay Korat, so ask. More camps: the camp finder.
Build the basics first: eight techniques with Thai names, and the history of Muay Thai.
Going to train in Thailand?
The Atlas Guide to Training in Thailand 2027 (100 pages) has a page on gym etiquette and the wai kru in its "Your first two weeks" chapter: how to greet your trainer, why some camps ask you not to step over the ropes, and learning your camp's own wai kru. Checkout opens at launch: join the list on our products page.
Who holds your money?
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Ask the camp in writing how much, when, and whether it’s refundable.
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Questions
What is muay boran?
Muay boran ("ancient boxing") is the umbrella name for Thailand's older unarmed fighting arts, from before modern Muay Thai's gloves, rings and rules came in during the 1920s and 1930s (Wikipedia, read 3 Nov 2026).
What are the four regional styles of muay boran?
The Tourism Authority of Thailand names four: Muay Chaiya (south, Surat Thani), Muay Korat (north-east, Nakhon Ratchasima), Muay Lopburi (central, Lopburi) and Muay Tha Sao (north, Uttaradit).
Is muay boran the same as Muay Thai?
No. Modern Muay Thai is the ring sport with gloves, timed rounds and scoring. Muay boran is the older family of styles it grew from. Today IFMA judges muay boran skills as a separate cultural event (Wai Kru and Mai Muay), with a traditional uniform and live or recorded Pi Muay music.
Did fighters really wrap their hands in rope?
Yes. Wikipedia says fighters bound their hands and forearms in hemp rope to protect their fists. The Thailand Foundation says Muay Chaiya fighters still bind their fists with raw rope. The Thai word is kard chuek.
Where can I learn muay boran in Thailand?
Sangha Muay Thai (Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai) prints a Muay Chaiya intensive course on its own course page, and Luktupfah (on the edge of Bangkok) says it runs daily Muay Thai and Muay Boran classes (both read 3 Nov 2026). Ask the camp before you book.
Which style is best?
We don't rank styles. Each source describes different strengths. Try a class and ask the coach what their camp teaches.
Sources
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