What are the experiences and recommendations for expats moving to Thailand for fight training?

May 21, 2024
4 months ago
Owe ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Has anyone here moved to Thailand for a few months to pursue fight training?

If so, what has your experience been like, and which gyms did you train at and stay with? I'm currently considering this option and would love to hear about your experiences and recommendations in all areas from Visa to Gyms to food to living during this time.

Thanks.
2,004
views
2
likes
49
all likes
21
replies
1
images
13
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion highlights various experiences of expats moving to Thailand for fight training, primarily Muay Thai. Participants share insights on visa options, especially the 12-month student visa through gyms like Tiger Muay Thai, and emphasize the importance of exploring multiple gyms to find the right fit. Recommendations on accommodations suggest avoiding on-site gym housing due to cleanliness and noise concerns. Insights on food affordability, regional differences (North vs. South Thailand), and the necessity of being prepared to train effectively prior to arrival are also mentioned.
Darren *******
Some Filipino ladyboys did several months ago and appeared to base themselves down soi 11. The Thai ladyboys fought them at the end of their stay after a bit of build up to the big event and the Filipinos ended up getting escorted out of Thailand if memory serves me right. Not sure what visas they had for their trip but I'm guessing not a non-ED
Neil ******
If you go somewhere for a few months, you didn’t “move” there. You’re just a transient.
James ***************
Yeh man it’s great I have done it many times and also had a lot of fights . It’s great fun you will love it . Witch part of Thailand will you stay
Aaron *******
I did it with my son, who was 18 yoa, and a Black Belt in Tang Soo Doo. We did it in Pattaya. Pluses: Very active international gym and fight scene, with many gyms and trainers to choose from. Many inexpensive, but nice accommodations. Good medical options available if necessary. Many good and inexpensive restaurants. Minuses: a lot of distractions. My suggestion, come into it in shape and well trained, ready to go. Personally, visit, observe and work out (if available) at several gyms, before signing a long-term commitment. No longer than month to month.
Rob *******
I’ve been here 7 months & my main reason was training MT

I would avoid on site gym accomidation, a lot of them are fairly dirty & noisy during the day so its good to give yourself a mental rest from the place, food is cheap so dont ever get meals with the gym or you will have to eat at a set time every day.

North thailand is half the price of south thailand, south thailans feels overly commercialised, very “touristy”. however the north is very quiet at night to & most places shut fairly early. you ned to try 3-4 gyms in each area & see what works for you. dont book anything long term up front
Robert ********
@Rob ******
what MT gyms have you tried or recommend in North Thailand?
Rob *******
@Robert *******
Hongthong,manasak, charnchai
Dylan *********
Rob *******
Mma *******
Bangkok fight Lab is your go to-
Rob *******
@Mma ******
No gym is anybodys “go to”. what gym somebody could love another could hate. you need to try as many as possible & see what works for you.
Roger **********
I did and they told me that if I trained hard enough I could beat Francis Ngannou. I replied that Ngannou is
***
now and never won a fight!
Tonino *****
@Roger *********
Y a 🪳

Francis would stomp y like the 🪳 that Y r 🤣

🤡
Kool *******
It depends on why you want to do this. Are you a professional wanting to add to your skill set, or just an amateur?
Owe ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kool ******
I'm looking to do it for fitness n health and also a break from my hectic lifestyle here in Australia. If it's a positive experience, I might have my 18-year-old try it too, hoping for similar benefits.
Kool *******
@Owe *******
in that case it doesn't make any difference which school/gym you use, as you will get the same positive results out of all of them. If you were doing it to add to your professional skill set then it would make a difference, but not for your desired results.
Aaron *******
@Kool ******
Absolutely wrong. What gym you pick is crucial. If you are a recreational martial artist, you don't want to be in a gym full of ego driven killers. And vice versa, you don't want to sign a long-term commitment with a gym that's just there to take your money, with coaches and trainers, who don't know what they are doing. Picking the right gym for you is crucial. Visit observe and workout at several gyms, before signing a long-term commitment.
Roger **********
@Kool ******
key word here is “just”…some amateurs are acknowledged as the best in the world.
Rosie *****
Yep. 12 month student visa with Tiger Muay Thai.

If you're planning to train for a month or more, let me know and I can organise 15% off (y)
Owe ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rosie ****
just dm you thanks
Michael ********
@Owe *******
I will 2nd Tiger they have been around a long time
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else