Phrayaa Phichai The son of poor rice farmers he was given to the temple as a child and raised by monks from whom he learnt the art of Muay Thai boxing. He grew up to become commander in chief of the army under the reign of King Taksin. He was a brave warrior and lifelong practitioner of Muay Thai boxing. In a famous instance he led his people into battle against Burmese invaders. He fought until his sword broke but continued the fight with his natural weapons, and emerged from the battle victorious.
The Tiger King Phra Chao Suua (or the Tiger King) reigned during the Ayuthaya period. As a Prince he was a devoted practitioner of Muay Thai boxing. It is said that while he was King, he disguised himself as a peasant and went incognito to take part in Muay Thai contests. It is remarkable he did this, bearing in mind that the Thais hold their monarch to such high reverence. Physical interaction of this kind between a Thai King and his people would normally be unthinkable. During his reign he actively promoted Muay Thai contests at local fairs and festivals, and he encouraged people to study Muay Thai boxing.
Nai Khanom Tom It was the time of the fall of the ancient Thai capital of Ayuthaya (north of present-day Bangkok) in 1767 and the city was headed for destruction. Invading Burmese troops rounded up a group of Thai residents, among them a number of Muay Thai boxers. They were taken and kept as prisoners in Burma. Some time later in the Burmese City of Rangoon, the Burmese king organised a celebration in honour of the pagoda. He ordered a royal presentation of a boxing match between Thai and Burmese fighters. When Kanom Tom was matched with a Burmese fighter he immediately performed the Ram Muay ritual dance, baffling many of the onlookers. He was victorious to Knock Out, but the King thought his Burmese fighter had been distracted by the Ram Muay, so Nai Kanom Tom was instructed to face another opponent. It is said that Nai Kanom Tom defeated nine Burmese fighters in succession. After which no one dared to challenge him again. He is considered to be the first Muay Thai boxer to imprint the sport of Muay Thai boxing with dignity. Nai Kanom Tom is commemorated to this day by a statue in Ayuthaya. March 17 is believed to be the day he famously fought against the Burmese and is now recognised in Thailand as National Muay Thai Day.
