ARJUN’S AIM Story Of An Indian Fighter In Thailand’s Brutal Muay Thai Circuits

THE THAPAE BOXING STADIUM in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand, looks nothing like your standard sporting arena.

It doesn’t have the distinct architecture that typical indoor stadiums have, announcing their presence to the world. Nor does it have the ascending rows of seats that accentuate the gravity of the action taking place at the centre. In fact, a wary tourist walking down the market could easily overlook its small door and humble ticket counter smaller than that of a travel agency, flanked by nondescript bars and restaurants.

Inside, the boxing ring is surrounded by a number of pubs and snack restaurants. The chairs in the arena are placed next to long tables where spectators (Mostly western tourists) can enjoy a full serving of dinner and cockltails (500 baht for a bucket of sangsom, gin, vodka & mojito) and have loud conversations while enjoying a full card of…