Do you want to experience the thrill of authentic Muay Thai but don’t want to pay the steep ticket prices? What if I told you Bangkok offers a few ways to watch Muay Thai for free? In this short guide, you’ll find out how to watch Thailand’s national sport without spending a baht on tickets or entry fees.
Key Takeaways
- Channel 7 Boxing Stadium is the best place to experience authentic Muay Thai for free.
- You can watch most Muay Thai fights for free on Thai TV.
- If you’re willing to travel out of Bangkok, you can watch temple fights for free.
- While in Bangkok, stop by a Muay Thai gym to catch a live training session.
Experience Muay Thai For Free Live At Channel 7 Boxing Stadium
For the most intense free Muay Thai viewing experience, make your way to Channel 7 Boxing Stadium on a Sunday afternoon. The stadium is more of a television studio than an arena. And because it makes money through corporate sponsors, it’s free to enter for spectators. The show starts at 2:30 PM and features real and authentic Muay Thai action. I’m talking five-round traditional Muay Thai complete with the wai kru and gambling. But get there early to reserve a good spot. And keep in mind that most of the studio is standing-room only.
Watch Muay Thai For Free On Thai TV
If you can’t make it to a live event, you can watch Muay Thai for free on TV with the locals. Some of the more popular shows broadcast on Thai TV are Channel 7’s Sunday show at 2:30 PM, Siam Boxing Stadium‘s Saturday show at 12:15 PM on Channel 3, and ONE Lumpinee‘s Friday show at 7:30 PM on Channel 7HD. Many security guards, motorcycle taxi drivers, and other working-class Thais will usually tune in to watch these events.
Experience Muay Thai For Free At Temple Fairs
Although more popular in rural areas of Thailand, temple fairs sometimes feature grassroots Muay Thai events. These events are where all the best fighters in Bangkok get their start. At the temple fair, a ring is set up and fighters of all ages — some as young as seven years old — compete in front of a local crowd. By watching, not only will you get a unique look into Muay Thai’s role on Thai culture, but you might even witness the next Saenchai in his infancy.
Watch A Training Session For Free At A Muay Thai Gym
Although you won’t experience a real Muay Thai fight at the gym, you can watch Thai boxers prepare for one. Most outdoor Muay Thai camps in Bangkok will let you sit in on the morning or afternoon training sessions for free. Just show up and enjoy the intense training regime, but stay clear of the training area. You should also ask the owner for permission before taking photos or videos. Sangmorakot Gym (near Rajadamnern Stadium) and FA Group (near Channel 7 Boxing Stadium) are two Muay Thai gyms that welcome visitors. Training sessions usually begin at 7 AM and 3 PM.
Bangkok Muay Thai Stadiums Checklist
- For an overview of all the essentials, check out my First-Time Visitor's Guide To Bangkok's Muay Thai Stadiums.
- Protect your self with travel insurance. Food poisoning, cancelled flights, motorbike accidents -- they all can and will happen in Bangkok. Use Travel Insurance Masters to find the best plan.
- Check for hotels in Bangkok near one of the Muay Thai stadiums using Expedia.com or Klook.com.
- Need advice on where to stay? Check out my guide on how to Book A Hotel near the stadiums.
- Buy a Rabbit Card from Klook that let's you travel along most of Bangkok's BTS and MRT Lines -- used by over 19,000 tourists. You can also get a one-day BTS pass.
- Stay connected with a physical SIM card from either SimOptions or True (pick it up at the airport). Alternatively, you can download an eSIM right to your phone using ESIM Thailand. You can also rent a pocket wifi router and pick it up at the airport.