A night at the Muay Thai stadium

A professional Muay Thai fight has five rounds (ห้ายก) of three minutes. Before the bell, each boxer performs the ไหว้ครู and the slow dance รำมวย to honour teachers and the ring, wearing the มงคล headband. The live band's ปี่ชวา and drums speed up as the action heats up. Early rounds are often cautious; the crowd roars from the third round, when fighters push for points or a knockout. In the stands, you will see people signalling loudly with their hands; it's part of the scene, but stay a spectator. Stadiums such as Rajadamnern and Lumpinee in Bangkok run fights several nights a week.