MUAY THAI – STRONG WOMEN, TOUGH FISTS

The popular national sport of Muay Thai is still a male preserve in Thailand, but more and more young girls and women are aspiring to a professional career in the ring and calling for social change.

Muay Thai is also known as the martial art of warriors and kings and is considered one of the oldest, most traditionally rich sports in the world. It is especially popular in Thailand where prime-time TV broadcasts and widespread sports betting turn the most successful fighters into stars and gods of Thai society. Although active fighting is still a male preserve and women are not allowed to appear in the country's big stadiums, the walls of this male stronghold are beginning to crumble. More and more young girls and women are training in gyms throughout the country and aspire to professional careers in the ring. We explore the special relationship Thai people have to their national sport, we watch young boxing enthusiasts pursue their dream, and we provide some insights into the world of Thai youth. We meet transsexual boxing legend Nong Tum, who claims her smile is "sweet as honey, her punch like the kick of an elephant", and fights for recognition and equal rights for women and transsexuals in boxing. Because Thai boxing is a sport for everyone.