Muay Thai Music

Muay Thai is still developing, but what remains unchanged is the use of the pipe and the drums as musical accompaniments for the matches, and is considered a unique characteristic of Muay Thai.

For dancing one may use a record player, but for Thai Boxing it is imperative to
have live music. This typical melody is called "Sarama". For the pre-fight rituals and during the fight itself the tempo of music is increased to encourage the fighters to put forth their best efforts. There are 4 Thai musical instruments.

Live musicans play traditional Muay Thai music during a bout at Rajadumnern stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

This rhythm is usually played by 4 different musicians who play 4 different instruments that are:

• the Pi Java (Javanese Clarinet), instrument from India that gives the characteristic sound to the Sarama.
• the Klong Kaaks a couple of drums with different sounds, one “male” that gives a high pitch sound and the other one “female” that gives a low pitch sound.
• the Ching instrument made from two small plates (generally made of brass or iron), liked to eachother. They  have the role to lead the melody.
• the Kong Mong instrument from South Thailand: a big plate hit by a wood hammer. This instrument gives the rhythm to the melody.

Press Play below to listen to Muay Thai Music (Rounds 1 to 5)