From Belief to Boxing: The Cultural Link between Hanuman’s Power and the Muay Thai Punch
Have you ever seen a monkey man on your Muay Thai shorts or in many places such as in the temples and Thai art? You might have questioned what he was doing there, asking yourself in confusion: “Aren’t elephants the national symbol of Thailand?
Well, it might surprise you to discover that this creature, Hanuman, holds deeper significance in Thai culture, art, literature and the national martial art of Muay Thai. In this blog, we will unravel the full, exciting relationship behind the two historic emblems of Thailand as well — Muay Thai and Hanuman. However, before we dive into that, let’s first introduce you to the iconic figure of Thailand, Hanuman!
Picture source: https://tesorwp.alt-er.com/product/lord-hanuman-brass-statue/
Have you met Hanuman?
In an interview, Slumdog Millionaire star Dev Patel recalled growing up with stories about Hanuman, narrated by his father and grandfather: 'My father wears a chain around his neck with little Hanuman statues on it.' Inspired by these fond childhood memories, Patel made his directorial debut with the film Monkey Man, a narrative adapted from the tales of Hanuman.
Picture source: https://x.com/TheCineprism/status/1782799588870812037?mx=2
Hanuman’s character is originally found in the Hindu epic, called the Ramayana, as a half-monkey, half-man warrior but has since been adapted into the Ramakien–Thailand’s version of the Ramayana–as one of the main protagonists. For Thailand today, the Ramakien can be likened to a national epic, one that is deeply embedded into the local culture and consciousness.
On the other hand, one of the most important narratives of Hinduism—the Ramayana—follows the battles of Rama, a prince who is an earthly manifestation of the Hindu deity Vishnu, against the evil demons of Lanka, led by Ravana (or in Thai, we call “Tossakan”!) While it can be understood as a typical story that narrates the traditional ‘good’ triumphing over the ‘bad’, it can also be interpreted as an allegory for the social tension between the Southern Dravidians and the Northern Aryans of the South Asian region.
Picture source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanuman
However, Hanuman’s characterization in both epics is vastly different. In the Ramayana, Hanuman epitomizes chastity due to his lifelong celibacy, while in the Ramakien, the monkey deity is depicted as a seductive figure with many lovers.
Nonetheless, what remains consistent in both versions is his exemplary devotion to Rama, portrayed as a powerful general with many special abilities, including shapeshifting and super strength.
Today, Hanuman’s character is often the protagonist in khon, the masked dance drama performances that have become a leading figure of Thailand’s arts and cultural scene.
The National Art, Muay Thai
On the other hand, the Thai martial art, Muay Thai, has gained international recognition for itself. With its inclusion as a demonstration event during the Paris 2024 Olympics, the ancient boxing style has proven its reputation on the global stage.
Muay Thai prioritises respect, honour, tradition, fair-play, and excellence. Namely, the principle of respect stems from the martial arts form being created for the higher purpose of keeping the nation of Thailand safe and defending their freedom. As opposed to being developed to hurt or kill, Muay Thai uplifts the value of respect and regard amongst its practitioners.
On the other hand, the practice of each boxer performing the dance of Wai Khru Ram Muay in homage to past and present Muay Thai mentors perfectly encapsulates the value of honour in Muay Thai. It is through the dance that each Muay Thai fighter honours the legacy and excellence of the martial art form.
Picture source: https://rajadamnern.com/blog/muay-thai-wai-kru/
Additionally, the inception of Muay Thai’s fame is attributed to the legendary fighter Nai Khanom Dtom, who is known to have defeated ten of Burma’s best boxers while he was a prisoner of war in Burma. By bravely challenging and defeating them, Nai Khanom Dtom brought glory to the then Thailand and embodied the crucial spirit of excellence and perseverance in Muay Thai.
Picture source: https://muaythai.sport/the-legacy-of-nai-khanom-tom/
The Muay Thai Benchmark, Hanuman
Similarly, Hanuman’s figure in the Ramakien embodies these values of excellence, honor and respect.
For example, seen as the most strategic and knowledgeable of Rama’s soldiers, Hanuman’s fighting prowess of immense aptitude can be viewed as the standard desired by all Muay Thai fighters. His unfailing devotion to Rama to the extent that he makes selfless sacrifices for the greater good resonates with the Muay Thai value of honour, where one must acknowledge superiors with power that have come before their own. Finally, Hanuman’s ability to communicate with animals signifies both the Thai spiritual reverence for nature as well as Muay Thai’s indiscriminate value of respect towards all.
Hanuman in Muay Thai traditions, today
Therefore, upon understanding the shared values between institution and character, it is no wonder that Muay Thai and Hanuman are closely related to one another.
For instance, did you know the martial arts form even borrows from Hanuman’s narratives in the Ramakien?
One Muay Thai technique is termed Hak Nguang Aiyara (Thai for “breaking the trunk of Airavata elephant”) and its name is inspired by the episode where Hanuman breaks the neck of the Elephant Airavata while in battle with Indra, a green-skinned god who acts as a lieutenant for Shiva, the god of the universe. However, in this instance, it was the eldest son of Ravana named Indrajit, who assumed Indra’s form to fool Hanuman, even going as far as to manifest the animal vehicle of Indra, Elephant Airavata. Nonetheless, the sharp-witted Hanuman saw through Indrajit’s disguise and defeated him on the spot.
Hanuman amulets are also popular among Muay Thai fighters who wish to be as agile, strategic, and victorious as the monkey god on the battleground. Some boxers may hide a tablet within the folds of his headgear, armband, or waistband but nonetheless, the tradition of having Hanuman’s symbol is a common practice in the Muay Thai ring.
Picture source: https://www.ebay.com/itm/284770671541
Want more of Hanuman?
Want to see Hanuman in action, learn more about his heroic stories, and discover why he has become a respected figure for Muay Thai fighters? Join us on our 'Siamese Art and Culture' tour, where you can watch a Hoon Lakorn Lek—a traditional puppet performance that tells the tales of the great warrior!"
For more interesting deep-dives into Thai culture, head to our ‘guided tours’ section or ‘self-guided’ section where we lead your exploration into a Bangkok like you have never known.