History

In 1942, construction began on Rajadamnern Stadium, driven by a government vision to create a venue that would elevate Muay Thai from its roots as a martial arts used for war to a globally recognized professional sport. Appointed as Muay Thai’s official governing body, the stadium was tasked with setting the standard for the sport, establishing itself as a central authority in Muay Thai’s transformation. Although originally expected to be completed within a year, construction was delayed by the outbreak of World War II, underscoring the stadium’s resilience through one of history’s most challenging periods.

In 1945, Rajadamnern Stadium completed construction and officially opened its doors, becoming the world’s first Muay Thai stadium. As a pioneer of the sport, Rajadamnern hosted the first Muay Thai fight, and established traditions that would shape Muay Thai’s legacy. Known as the true birthplace of Muay Thai, the stadium is where the essence of this martial art came into focus. At Rajadamnern, Muay Thai’s foundation and traditions are rooted in the milestones first set here.

Rajadamnern Stadium’s architecture is unlike any other sports venue in the world. As the first and only circular Muay Thai ring, it stands out not only for its historical significance but also for its innovative design, which ensures every seat provides an unobstructed view of the action. This unique layout guarantees that every visitor experiences the thrill of Muay Thai up close, making a visit to Rajadamnern Stadium one of the best experiences in sports venues worldwide. With its distinctive architecture, Rajadamnern Stadium remains a celebrated landmark of authenticity and legacy.

On December 23, 1945, Rajadamnern Stadium marked a historic milestone by hosting its first Muay Thai fight. This event officially introduced Muay Thai to the world as a professional sport, beginning an era that would forever shape the sport's future. On that day, Rajadamnern became more than just a stadium—it became where the journey of Muay Thai began as a professional sport, setting a precedent for countless legendary matches to follow.

In 1951, Rajadamnern Stadium introduced another historic step by successfully constructing a concrete dome, making it the first venue in Thailand and the world to offer this feature. This upgrade reflected the stadium’s unwavering commitment to innovation and leadership in the sporting world. From that pivotal improvement to today, Rajadamnern has continued to pursue excellence, setting the standard for sports venues in Thailand and embodying a tradition of continuous enhancement

In 1955, Rajadamnern Stadium, published the world’s first official Professional Muay Thai rule book, marking a defining moment in the sport’s history. This achievement set the golden standard for Muay Thai rules, providing an authoritative guide that continues to govern competitions worldwide. By formalizing the sport, Rajadamnern Stadium not only advanced Muay Thai's evolution but also demonstrated a commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. This milestone stands as a testament to Rajadamnern’s role in shaping the integrity of Muay Thai for generations to come.

​​Rajadamnern Stadium made history as the first venue to establish the world’s first Muay Championship Thai belt, replacing the traditional ‘SAMAT’ jacket that had long symbolized victory. This defining moment solidified Rajadamnern's status as a true pioneer in Muay Thai, introducing a symbol that fighters around the world now aspire to claim. Over the decades, the championship belt has become a symbol of legacy within the sport, a testament to Rajadamnern Stadium’s enduring influence in setting standards and traditions that shape Muay Thai’s global identity.

Rajadamnern Stadium made an important advancement in Muay Thai by introducing the world’s first Muay Thai championship rankings. This defining moment marked the inception of the official Muay Thai ranking system, setting a new standard for excellence and competition among the best Muay Thai fighters. Rajadamnern’s establishment of this structured ranking not only elevated the prestige of the sport but also reinforced its commitment to fostering a legacy of skill, dedication, and achievement.

On July 22, 2022, the first-ever Rajadamnern World Series fight took place, marking the launch of the biggest Muay Thai tournament and program. This event signified the dawn of a new era for the sport, as Rajadamnern introduced the most significant evolution in Muay Thai history with a groundbreaking competition format and the debut of the first-ever open scoring system in a world-class production setting. This bold change aimed to present Muay Thai in a fresh, modern light, appealing to and reaching a broader global audience. The event marked a pivotal moment, reshaping Muay Thai’s image worldwide and making history in the sport’s evolution.

On August 5, 2022, Rajadamnern made another history by hosting the first-ever female Muay Thai fight in the world’s first Muay Thai Stadium, further solidifying its role as a pioneer. This groundbreaking event, part of the Rajadamnern World Series (RWS), marked a significant step towards gender equality in the sport, providing female fighters with the opportunity to compete for glory. The night featured a thrilling Flyweight division match between Aida Looksaikongdin and Zahra Venum Muay Thai, with Aida emerging victorious, marking a landmark moment in Muay Thai history.

On December 21, 2024, Rajadamnern Stadium marked another historic milestone in the world of Muay Thai with the debut of Rajadamnern Immersive Muay Thai, featuring the largest dome projection ever seen in any stadium to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the world’s first Muay Thai stadium. Every inch of Thailand’s first dome was brought to life, transporting an audience 1,000 years back to the very origins of Muay Thai, allowing people to fully immerse themselves in the rich heritage of the sport. The event not only honored the rich heritage of Muay Thai but also elevated the stadium experience to a whole new level, reaffirming Rajadamnern’s role as the sport's pioneer and timeless guardian of Muay Thai.