04/24/2026
Veteran technical official Chalem Prayat-sap says Muaythai bouts will become more exciting after Rajadamnern Stadium introduced a ban on passive movement, or “dancing,” in the fifth round.
The rule takes effect on May 1 and applies to all events at the venue. Fighters who avoid engagement in the final round will face penalties ranging from warnings and point deductions to purse cuts or disqualification.
Chalem noted the rule has already been used in Rajadamnern World Series (RWS) bouts and should now be enforced across all promotions. He emphasized that judges must assess fights round by round, with greater focus on effective striking rather than relying on late-round impressions.
He also acknowledged the long-standing influence of gambling in five-round fights, which often leads to slower early pacing. In contrast, shorter formats like Rajadamnern Knockout tend to produce more immediate action.
“With this rule, I’m confident fights will be more exciting,” Chalem said, adding that round-by-round scoring will ensure transparency without post-fight adjustments.
credit: มวยสยาม SiamMuay
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