Exploring Bangkok’s Sports Culture

Exploring Bangkok’s Sports Culture

There are many things to do in Bangkok. Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Kao San Road, Sukhumvit, and Chinatown are all tourist favourites. But there are alternative things to do in Bangkok, too, like mountain biking and wakeboarding. These activities, actually, make up just a part of Bangkok’s sports culture. Thailand has a rich heritage of sport and these four sports are testament to that:

Muay Thai

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Muay Thai is a big part of Thai culture. It was originally used for military combat and has since become a popular spectator sport in Thailand. That’s why anyone exploring Bangkok’s sports culture is advised to watch it live. The action is intense, fast-paced, and certainly exciting. The best place to watch Muay Thai is at the New Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. The Royal Thai Army-run stadium regularly hosts the biggest fights. The Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium is another excellent venue to catch Muay Thai action. It is the oldest stadium in Bangkok, and is conveniently located right in the city centre.

Sepak Takraw

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Thailand is also famous for its dominance in sepak takraw. It has won 26 of the 39 sepak takraw gold medals disputed in the Asian Games, including 4 last year. It is an exciting, fast-paced sport, and it is best watched live to be truly appreciated. Fortunately anyone visiting Bangkok can catch some sepak takraw action in a variety of places. The sport can be played in any open space, and many play in parks, temple courtyards, and even at the Sanam Luang public square. But for high-level matches, do check out both the National Stadium in Rama I Rd and the Hua Mak Stadium at Ramkhamhaeng Road.

Football

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Culture Trip notes it is winning over the Thais, too. The success of Thailand’s national football team, called War Elephants, has helped in this regard. The expansion of the Thai Premier League has been a boon as well. Now there is a flourishing football fanbase in the country, and they are passionate about the sport. The best way to join in with this passion is, of course, to catch some games live, preferably at Suphachalasai Stadium. While you’re watching, you should also take part in another Thai tradition: football betting. But do make sure you do your homework before you place any bet. 88betstep1 explain how expert knowledge on the football team you are betting on will give you an advantage. This is why if watching a live match it pays to make friends with the locals who will be able to provide you with tips. So, to recap, you get to watch good football, find a pal or two, and even win some additional pocket money.

Tennis

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Tennis is also quite popular in Thailand, thanks in part to the success of Paradorn Srichaphan in the early 2000s. Now it remains a national favourite. Bangkok, in fact, even hosts a few high-level tournaments, notably the Bangkok Challenger. It is part of the ATP Challenger Tour, and is held every February at Rama Gardens Hotel. Before that the Thai capital also played host to the Thailand Open, which was part of the ATP Tour’s World Tour 250 series.