The history of Thai boxing (Muay Thai) can be traced back to the Middle Ages. At that time, wars were fought with bows and arrows, swords, and spears. In close combat, however, arms and legs were also powerful weapons. The sport was adopted by the army and became part of military training, all on the orders of King Naresuan in 1560.
During one of the many wars between Myanmar and his country, he was taken prisoner by the people of Myanmar. They knew he was a skilled fighter, so they promised him that he could fight for his freedom. The unbelievable happened: the king defeated all his opponents and thereby won his freedom. When he returned to Siam, he was welcomed as a hero. He then decided to make Thai boxing a national sport. Boxing gloves were made from hemp and horsehide, and this is still done in the countryside of Thailand.
