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The brutality and vicious punches and kicks are just one part of Muay Thai. Beauty of this Marital Art lies, however, in Wai Kru, where fighters pay respect to their masters. Report by: Nopnan Ariyawongmanee

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Muay Thai fever grips Isan boys as doctors call timeout



BURI RAM: Loud cheers erupt as two boys trade punches at a boxing ring in the northeastern province of Buriram.

After dominating five rounds, the winner is declared; 11-year-old Nanthawat Promsod, who is better known by his boxing name - “Super Big Saksandee”.

He earned 3,000 baht for winning the fight, and earns 1,500 baht for each match-up that he takes part in.

He is one of at least 10 boxers aged 15 or less in the district of Satuk, where nearly every village has a boxing camp.

Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, is said to be 2,000 years old. Known as “The Art of Eight Limbs”, it makes extensive use of elbows, hands, knees and feet.

The national sport is increasingly popular overseas too but here in Thailand, it can provide a way out of poverty, as those who climb to the top of the sport can earn a lot of money.

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