History and Era of Muay Korat
The history of Muay Thai mentions four styles of Muay Thai: Muay Lopburi, Muay Chaiya, Muay Tha Sao, and Muay Korat. Muay Korat is named after Nakhon Ratchasima Province, commonly known as “Korat”. It is a style famous in the northeastern region, or Isan, of Thailand. Muay Korat has a history dating from the Ayutthaya period to the Rattanakosin period, with the primary goal of training for national defense. As Korat was a frontline stronghold often engaged in battles against invaders, the people of Nakhon Ratchasima have carried the warrior spirit through generations (Met Metkarunjit, 2018a).
After the war ended, Muay Thai evolved into a martial arts and cultural heritage for self-defense, becoming a national symbol of Thailand. This development was driven by the necessity for all Thais in ancient times, from the monarch down to the common people, both men and women, to master self-defense skills (Sports and Health Center, Suranaree University of Technology, 2019).
During the reign of King Rama V of the Rattanakosin era, Muay Khat Chueak (a form of Muay Thai where fighters’ hands are wrapped with hemp rope) thrived, as competitions were widely organized using hand wraps. At the competition held in front of the throne pavilion at Misakwan Garden during the funeral of Prince Urubongse Rajasombhoj on March 18, R.E. 128 (B.E. 2452), top fighters from all over the country were selected to compete. The winners who impressed His Majesty were granted ranks and titles. Three individuals were awarded the title of “Khun Muen Khru Muay” with a Sakdina of 300 (a title given to non-commissioned officers during King Rama V’s reign):
1. Mr. Prong Jamnongthong from Chaiya (Surat Thani Province) was given the title “Muen Muay Mee Chue.”
2. Mr. Klung Tosaat from Lopburi (Lopburi Province) was given the title “Muen Mue Maen Mat.”
3. Mr. Daeng Thaiprasert from Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima Province) was given the title “Muen Cha-Ngad Cherng Chok.” (1).
Mr. Daeng Thaiprasert from Korat was a disciple sent to the competition by Phra Hem Samahan, the governor of Korat. In addition, several other boxers from Korat participated in training with Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak (2), at Prem Prachakorn Palace. Notable among them were Mr. Yang Hanthale (the striped tiger from the highlands) (3), Mr. Tup Chamkor (the fierce tiger from the highlands) (4), Mr. Tuu Thaiprasert (5), and Mr. Poon Sakda. These boxers were all highly skilled and gained national fame.(Department of Physical Education, 2018)
Other notable Korat boxers from the past include: Second Lieutenant Bua Nilacha (6), known by the nickname “Khru Bua Wat Im,” who served as a Muay Thai teacher at the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. Mr. Phuan Kanjanakas (7), the founder of the Khao Mueang Chai Muay Camp, which has produced several champions, contributing to the fame of Korat Muay Thai. Mr. Suk Prasat Hin Phimai (8), known as “Suk Yak Phikhamot,” A boxer from the early era of glove boxing, known for his fierce fighting style that was well-received by audiences. The people of Phimai District erected a monument in his honor at the Sai Ngam area. Mr. Wihok Thiamkhamhaeng (9), known as Phaya Paksa Rai from Korat. Mr. Prayuth Udomsak (10), also known as Mr. Sawat Dokmanee, with the nickname “Mhar Si Mok,” a gentleman from the highlands (Jaratsadet Ulit and colleagues, 2013).
The periods of Muay Korat are divided into four distinct eras as follows:
1) Early Period (Rama I - Rama IV)
Korat has long been renowned as a city of boxing due to its status as a major frontier town, requiring its citizens to be constantly prepared for combat. As a result, Korat Muay Thai and various martial arts have been learned, practiced, and ingrained in the lifestyle and spirit of the people of Korat. A significant historical event occurred when “Tao Suranari”, also known as “Khunying Mo” or commonly referred to as “Ya Mo”, led the people of Korat with whatever weapons and boxing skills they had to fight against the army of Chao Anuwong of Vientiane, who had invaded Korat and attempted to capture its people. This battle was won at Thung Samrit in 1826. Consequentl, Khunying Mo was honored and officially recognized with the title “Tao Suranari”.
2) The Flourishing Period (Rama V - Rama VI)
In this era, Korat-style Muay Thai and other styles of Muay Thai were fought in the form of rope-bound boxing. The country was peaceful and prosperous, leading to the establishment of many boxing camps. Several skilled and nationally renowned boxers from Korat emerged during this time (Office of the National Culture Commission, 2010). These boxers participated in training with Admiral Prince Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak at Prem Prachakorn Palace, earning the admiration of King Rama V and King Rama VI for their achievements.
3) The Early Era of Glove Boxing (Reign of King Rama VI - Reign of King Rama VIII)
Due to the incident where Mr. Pae Liangprasert, a boxer from Tha Sao Subdistrict, Uttaradit Province, fatally injured Mr. Jea, a boxer from Cambodia, Western-style boxing gloves were introduced to replace hand-wrapping with rope. Rules and regulations were established to control the competition, and results were clearly decided. Several boxers from Nakhon Ratchasima Province traveled to Bangkok to participate in competitions. The Korat Muay Thai curriculum was also taught at Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. Numerous boxing groups or camps were established, such as Thiamkhamhaeng Camp, Udomsak Camp, Khao Mueang Chai Camp, Singhaphallop Camp, Sinsuwan Camp, and Luk Non Thai Camp, among others.
4) The Restoration and Preservation Era (Reign of King Rama IX - Current Reign)
Currently, we are in an era where professional Muay Thai competitions are widely organized, featuring the use of boxing gloves rather than the traditional hand-wrapping with rope. Most competitions are now commercially driven, and standardized rules set by the Muay Thai Association are implemented to ensure consistency.
During this era of Korat Muay Thai training, significant figures involved included Major General Amnat Phuksrisuk,a distinguished officer of the Royal Thai Army (deceased), and Dr.Chao Wathayotha, a Muay Thai instructor with an A-License from the Sports Authority of Thailand’s Muay Thai Committee, and the Chairman of the Heritage and Culture Committee of the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA).