Fitfac Muay Thai Academy

243/2 Soi Atsawa Pichet, Boromratchonanee Rd. 089-890-5995. Open Mon-Fri 1-10pm and Sat-Sun 9am-6pm. www.fitfacmuaythai.com

This newest Thai boxing studio just opened its doors a week ago. The fitness center offers classes designed by professional boxers and professors from the Faculty of Sport Science at Mahidol University. The courses are slightly different from other boxing places, as they put the focus on exercising and body firming purposes based on your body mass index. Programs span from the basic aerobic kickboxing class up to the high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and emotional involvement training (EIT). Day passes start from B490/day (training gear included). 

Jaroenthong Muay Thai

581 Ramkhamhaeng Soi 39. Pracha-Uthit Rd. 02-539-3867, 082-658-6097. Open daily 10am-noon and 2-8:30pm. www.jaroenthonggym.com 

Jaroenthong Muay Thai sits somewhere between a traditional boxing camp and a new-age boxing-for-exercise center. Founded by professional fighter Jaroen Choomanee, who went by the stage name Charoenthong Kiatbanchong, the classes here cover a variety of levels—starters, serious exercising and potential pros—all of which involve training one-on-one with an instructor. A day pass is B500/day (2 hours) while courses are priced at B6,000/month.  

JittiGym The International Muay Thai Training Gym

12 Soi Chokchairuammit Yak 29, Viphavadee Rangsit, Ratchadapisek Rd., 089-069-5026. www.jittigym.com

Jitti Gym started as a proper Muay Thai camp, but once boxing gained more popularity among ladies it started offering up firming and exercising classes as well. The atmosphere is very traditional compared to the others on this list—ideal for keeping concentrated. Among the trainers are many ex-pros from the Ratchadamnoen and Lumpini rings, so you can rest assured you’ll be treated like a real fighter, too. Day passes start from B300/day (2 hours) to B5,000/30days (2 hours a day). 

Ratchadamnoen Singha Muay Thai Academy (RSM)

3/F SeenSpace, Thonglor Soi 13. 02-185-2384. www.rsm-academy.com

RSM is another place pushing Muay Thai as an exercise in Bangkok. Located in the middle of town in Thonglor, it offers a wide range of courses designed especially for each different age ranges. The classes combine traditional martial arts with modern professional fitness routines, with all trainers also lead coaches at Ratchadamnoen stadium. An introduction to Muay Thai trial starts at B550/day up to B6,000/month for unlimited participation. They also cater for private groups and pro-pratic as well. 

BK asks

Why go boxing? 

Varlynphat Pawanantheerakul, 27, business owner 

“I hate the idea of fitness, it’s boring and uninspiring. But when you’re getting older you can’t stay skinny without it. One of my model friends told me to try boxing, saying it really burns calories. I thought, she’s a model, so why not?” 

Mayticha Kaensa, 25, producer

“A friend of mine had been asking me to box with her for a while. But once she showed me her topless boxing instructor, complete with six-pack, tan skin and skinhead, and all sweaty, like he was Bua Khao’s twin brother, I had no hesitation at all.” 

Wanutcha Sriphotongnak, 26, finance

“I used to be twice the size I am now and it was hard to go shopping as even XL was still very small. I’d tried yoga, but it was too laidback, so I came to the boxing gym with my friends. Here it makes you feel like you’re dancing in the club, even at 10am.”