The exact date muay Thai kick boxing was started is hard to narrow
down, but it does date back all the way to medieval times. King
Nareasen made it famous in 1560 AD when he was given a chance to fight
for his freedom. King Nareasan was victorious, freed, and returned home
where he declared the fighting style (then called Siamese style boxing)
a national sport.
The art of muay thai kick boxing is known as both a hard martial art
and as "the deadly art." Muay thai kick boxing is a self defence art
developed in Thailand and it enjoys immense popularity in many south-
Asian countries as well. There is a wide variety of forms and styles,
just like other styles of martial arts.
Muay thai kick boxing is the national sport of only Thailand, though it
has become popular in many other countries. The main point that
separates muay thai kick boxing from western developed boxing is the
fact you are allowed to use shins, knees, elbows and fists. The fighter
is able to use 8 parts of his body to strike his opponent....
http://groups.google.com/group/martialartsqen