"วันที่ 17 มีนาคม — วันมวยไทย"
Nai Khanom Tom Day · March 17
The ancient capital of Ayutthaya is home to the annual World Thai Martial Arts Festival and Wai Khru Muay Thai Ceremony. For individuals trained in the ancient Thai art of boxing or 'Muay Thai', the annual Wai Khru Muay Thai Ceremony is the most important date on their calendar.
Muay Thai boxers from around the world return to Ayutthaya to pay respect to their teachers, and to pay homage to the legendary Muay Thai folk hero, Nai Khanom Tom.
Formally known as Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, the ancient city was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong and remained the capital city of the Kingdom of Siam for 417 years. During this time, 33 kings of various Siamese dynasties have reigned, each contributing to the Kingdom's many cultural treasures.
At its height of glory, Ayutthaya was one of Asia's most prosperous cities. UNESCO declared the Ayutthaya Historical Park a cultural World Heritage Site on 13 December 1991.
The ancient origins of Muay Thai can be traced back to Muay Boran or "ancient boxing", a form of unarmed combat used by Siamese soldiers in conjunction with Krabee Krabong.
Muay Thai is Thailand's national sport and Ayutthaya, the home of its legendary hero Nai Khanom Tom, is the stronghold of this martial art.
Wai Khru is a ritual during which Muay Thai fighters pay respect to their masters. To become a fully-fledged Muay Thai fighter, an individual must pass through a series of initiation rites: