Jingjok
ไหว้ครู: respect in the camp
wâi-kruu
A Muay Thai camp runs on respect for the kru, the trainer. Wai when you arrive and when you leave, and say ขอบคุณครู after the pads. Head trainers are ครู; the young fighters who hold pads are พี่ if they are older than you, น้อง if younger, and everyone notices when you get it right. Shoes come off before the mats and the ring. Feet are low and the head is high: never step over someone sitting on the floor, and do not step over gloves, pads or a skipping rope; walk round. Do not touch a trainer's head, even in a friendly way. Turning up on time and holding the pads for a beginner count for more than any combo.
Try this today
Wai and say สวัสดีครู before you put your bag down.
Learn this in “Muay Thai camp” →
Your first 90 days of Thai
Culture cards in Jingjok are tied to the words that carry them, each ending in one thing to try today.
- WEEKS 1–2 · SURVIVEGreet anyone, pay, and order food and 7-Eleven exactly how you like it.
- WEEKS 3–6 · SETTLE INGet around by taxi, Grab and skytrain, find anything, and handle your landlord.
- WEEKS 7–12 · RUN YOUR LIFEPharmacy, bank, SIM and apps, how you feel, and a weekend away, all in Thai.
The first week is free.