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-quarters combat, however, arms and legs were also great weapons. The sport was incorporated into the military and became part of training, all by order of King Naresuan in 1560.
During one of the many wars between Myanmar and his country he was captured by the Myanmar. They knew that he could fight well and therefore he was promised that he could fight himself free. The unbelievable happened and the king managed to win against all his opponents and thus obtained his freedom. On his return 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 horse hide and this is still done in the countryside of Thailand.
