Muay Talay Sea Boxing
Everybody knows Muay Thai which is the popular Thai boxing sport known around the world. This version that I went to watch at the weekend at the Bang Phli Riverside Market in Samut Prakan is called Muay Talay. This translates as “sea boxing”.
The rules are simple. Two people sit astride a pole which is fixed over a stretch of water. They have three rounds with each round lasting only three minutes. Punches and kicks are allowed but you have to do your best to keep your balance. The loser of each round is the first person to hit the water.
It is great fun watching. Some rounds were over very quickly while others went on for the full three minutes. The Market festival goes on until the end of the month.
