Rajadamnern Stadium, Bangkok Overview

If you want a quintessential and authentic Thai experience, Rajadamnern Stadium is where you should be headed. It’s one of the most renowned stadiums in Thailand where you get to experience Muay Thai, a form of martial arts quite popular across Thailand. Translating to “Thai Boxing”, Muay Thai is not just a sport but a unique cultural experience.

Before the commencement of the actual wrestling match, there are initiation rituals of sorts. And the game itself is accompanied with traditional Thai music, taking it beyond a regular sporting event. Hence it is a site worth visiting for both, wrestling aficionados and general spectators.

Ticket Prices

Costs can vary anywhere between THB 1000 to THB 2000, depending on the type of seats booked.
The prices are as follows -

Ringside: THB 2000
Club Class: THB 1800
Second Class: THB 1500
Third Class: THB 1000

Besides this one can enjoy drinks and snacks at rather nominal prices, with a beer costing THB 100, popcorn or hotdog costing roughly THB 50 and a soda costing THB 20.

Muay Thai

Muay Thai or Thai Wrestling is a sport dating back to the days of Thai royalty. It is rumoured that a prince used to love wrestling; hence he’d disguise himself as a local so that he could partake in Muay Thai events. Eventually, many years later, Muay Thai became the national martial art of Thailand, enjoying widespread popularity and importance across the nation. A popular combat wrestling form, Muay Thai is also known as the “Art of Eight Limbs” as it engages one’s fists, elbows, knees and shins. The wrestlers wear a “mongkol” (headband) and “pra jiad” (armbands) to protect themselves.

Weight Classes at Rajadamnern Stadium

Muay Thai has 13 weight classes varying from Light flyweight, lightweight etc. to super heavyweight. The lowest category, the super flyweight varies from 43 to 48 Kgs, where is the uppermost class, the super heavyweight includes weights above 91 Kgs.

Rajadamnern Stadium History

With construction orders given in 1941, the stadium was finally completed and open to the public in December of 1945. There was a 4-year delay due to lack of supplies and material during World War II. The first-ever fight took place on the 23rd of December, and since that day the stadium hasn’t looked back. With fights happening four days of the week, the stadium has since seen some 1500 matches, 4000 knock-outs and roughly around 14000 odd spectators.

Stadium Architecture

Initially the stadium was an open-air one with a Roman colosseum-esque vibe, but eventually due to issues during the matches was closed off with a concrete roof. A delight for both the locals and foreigners, the stadium offers four different categories of seats to cater to everyone- Ringside, Club Class, 2nd and 3rd Class. The second and third class seats are more economical and quite popular amongst the local and the gamblers. Foreigners mostly prefer ringside seats. Here people are up close and enjoy an almost immersive experience. They also have access to a beverage bar and get a chance to take a picture with the winner of the fight. But for a truly authentic experience, one should try out the second class seats, because that’s where the gambling happens.

Tips

Indulge in a little bit of gambling to blend in with the locals.
If you want to enjoy a beer while watching your favourite match, choose the ringside seats. However, it is said that Club class seats offer a better view and comfort.
Since gambling is legal here, it is handled methodically by professionals. It is truly a unique experience.
The stadium offers many delicious options at the comfort of your own seat, at nominal prices.

How To Reach Rajadamnern Stadium

Rajadamnern Stadium Bangkok Thailand — Rajadamnern Stadium is Located on the Rajadamnern Nok Road of Bangkok
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The Rajadamnern stadium is located at the Rajadamnern Nok Road of the Wat Sommanat district in Bangkok. The easiest and most economical way to get here is to take a cab. The United Nations Bus Stop 1, accessible by bus numbers 70, 157 R, 201 R, 503, 509, is the closest bus stop, just a short walk away from the Stadium.