Thaindian News

Sep 15 (THAINDIAN NEWS) In a report by the Associated Press, two senators had quite a battle on Monday in front of Parliment, but not in the usual political mudslinging match, these two men were there to promote traditional kickboxing in Thailand. Senators Direk Tungfang, 64 and 59 year old Senator Payap Tongchuen kickboxed around the temporary ring which was set up in the compound of Parliment in Bangkok on Monday.

Senator Tongchuen joked “It’s good that I can still stand,” after he had gone two rounds with the older Senator Direk Tungfang, as the two politicians left behind their usual suits and ties for boxing gloves and shorts. According to the referee, both men were winners.

Spectators, however, had a different opinion. The audience felt that the older man, Direk, who is from the Nonthaburi Province located a little north of Bangkok, had done a better job than his opponent, who was from the eastern province of Sa Kaeo. Direk knocked Payap down once. Both of the men are from the “upper house” which means they are lawmakers with no party affiliation.

The goal of the event was not a political one. As Direk explained, “The aim is to market Thai boxing, as Muay Thai at the international level,” said Direk. “It is also to campaign for the younger generations to maintain this traditional sport.”

Muay Thai, which is the name for Thai kickboxing, is a national sport that has become more and more well known throughout the world. Similar to any other type of kickboxing, the fighters punch, kick, and elbow, and knee each other in the matches.

This particular event was set up by the Sports Committee of the Senate. The first match up was between two eight year old boys.