Thomas Muay Thai

Thailand, a dream come true

I know many readers of FIGHTERS will have travelled to Thailand to train but I felt I had to relate the experience of my trip.

I have been involved in Muay Thai for a number of years but for a variety of reasons had not been able to travel to Thailand in the past.

I have a close working relationship with Master A and along with my wife Glenys, my daughter Beth and her fiance Matt Inskip, all Muay Thai practitioners decided to join his annual trip. The trip was slightly earlier this year as Master A wished to celebrate his special birthday in his homeland (I won’t say how old)!

A party of 23 arrived in Bangkok where we were greeted by Master A’s brother ‘O’ who was with us throughout the stay and could not do enough for us.

After a good nights rest the first training session was arranged at the National Stadium where we were greeted by the ever friendly Master Woody the Head of WMTC. The training was excellent under the watchful eye of trainer Sopan who was very informative and appreciative of our involvement in the sport.

Whilst we were in Bangkok we were honoured to attend Master A’s birthday celebration which was held in a beautiful riverside restaurant and where we met many of his family members and friends. Before we left Bangkok Beth Thomas and Matt Inskip took the opportunity to train at the famous Sit Khunium camp where their stamina was stretched to the limit on a very hot day, but well worth it.

Master A’s wife, Janet, had worked tremendously hard to organise trips throughout our stay and from Bangkok we visited the Grand Palace, Crocodile Farm, Elephant Show and floating market. Ringside seats at the Lumpini Stadium were a particular highlight for me and something I thought would never happen. My own claim to fame was that I was recognised by Smingnume a top Thai fighter who had visited Wales some 18 years earlier!

Following Bangkok we moved to Master A’s unique training facility at the floating house at, Paa Tamisa, situated on a huge lake in Kanchanburi. The setting has to be seen to be believed. It has a purpose built Gym, kitchen facilities and a meeting room on the ground floor with ten double bedrooms and surround balcony on the first floor.

Two trainers and two K1 Max fighters from Sit Khuniam camp who had been employed to put the students through their paces joined us. Again the training was of the highest standard.

Other activities were arranged on the floating house including fishing, shooting, kayaking and even a banana boat appeared.

Janet arranged an exclusive spa day for the ladies, in addition to trips to go elephant trekking, raft riding and a boat trip to see some stunning waterfalls.

Following the unique experience of the floating house we moved to another really comfortable hotel in Pattaya. Here training was based around the Sityodtong camp where again we received a wonderfully warm welcome and the training was of the highest calibre. Advice was willingly given and the enthusiasm of the trainers was inspirational.

As we were in Pattaya we took the opportunity to visit the Fairtex stadium, which is unlike other camps as it is built as part of a luxury hotel/sports complex. Again the training was good but more expensive but on a par with one to one training in the UK.

Some of the fighters attended a show at the Fairtex Stadium where they met ‘CONTENDER’ winner Yodsaenklai who was an absolute gentleman.

Like all good things our Thailand trip had to come to an end but we left with wonderful memories and a determination to return.

We will always be grateful to Master A, his wife Janet and other family and friends for making our trip so special.

If you wish details of trips to Thailand please contact Master A on 07791040637 or mastera@ntlworld.com.

Seminar in Wales

Following the very successful Thailand trip a Seminar was arranged with Master A at Holywell Leisure Centre here in North Wales. We organise such Seminars regularly and they are always very well received. Master A is always extremely friendly and the students are soon put at ease. Each seminar is always different and the students always learn a great deal.

At the recent seminar top fighters Marvin Bell and Gareth Mostyn assisted Master A and their help and advice was appreciated by the students.

Master A represents all that is good in Muay Thai. He has outstanding ability, which is only matched by his modesty. We are always keen to take our fighters to Master where they learn so much in a friendly but respectful atmosphere.

We have a long association with Master A and long may it continue.

Kru Mike Thomas
thomasthai@kickbox.f9.co.uk