Thailand assembles world record breaking Muay Thai ‘army’
Thousands of Thai army cadets, university students and a handful of volunteers performed a record-breaking Muay Thai “wai khru” ceremony on Monday, all under the watchful eyes of six massive statues of former kings.
The previous Guinness World Record of 250 was broken by 3,660 participants simultaneously performing the traditional pre-match dance of respect for their coach at the sunset gathering in Hua Hin, which was part of a Muay Thai Festival in the seaside resort town.
The barefoot performers, who were organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Royal Thai Army, and the ministries of culture and sports, marched onto the parade ground at Rajabhakti Park in front of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha as the sun had scorched the concrete.
The phalanx of men, dressed in red uniforms with white Mongkhon headbands and white Muay Kard Chuek ropes—the hemp wraps fighters wore before gloves—moved nearly in unison in response to Sombat “Buakaw” Banchamek’s commands.
The official Guinness adjudicator said, “Congratulations, you’re officially amazing,” confirming that the record had been broken.
Phukrit Purimchaithanat, a 27-year-old performer, said, “I feel really proud.” He added that he and his fellow cadets were glad they had succeeded after months of preparation.
A loudspeaker blared as a group of confused locals and tourists passing through the popular resort gathered around the sides of the fenced area to watch the spectacle from a few flimsy metal bleachers.
The 3,660 participants, according to a Guiness World Records representative, surpassed the previous record of 250. PHOTO: Siena Cruz, a 32-year-old Hua Hin resident, commented to the AFP, “It’s stunning, it’s crazy, also in front of the kings and everything,” as she and her friends enjoyed the performance.
She noted how essential the pre-match ritual was to the sport, stating, “The visual is something connected to the tradition.”
She said of the Guinness record, “To be part of another bit of history for Thailand, it’s bragging rights.”
June Rubyung, who was accompanying her grandson to the performance, stated, “I like to watch, but boxing is scary.”
The 50-year-old Hua Hin resident said she was aware that the army cadets had been practicing for a month. She lives close to the army grounds where they performed.
She stated, “I think they’re good because they do it the right way.”
