Besides Western sports like football, badminton, and tennis, which Thai people like to play, there are sports that have a Thai identity and that date far back in time.

Thai boxing is a martial art that is known worldwide. It is acclaimed for its beauty and power. Thai boxers use not only fists to hit their opponent, but other parts of the body, such as feet, knees, and elbows can be used as well. Another special feature is that music is played while a Thai boxing match is going on, so it makes boxing seem like a beautiful and artistic dance that goes with the music.

Nowadays many foreigners are fascinated by Thai boxing and come for Thai boxing training. In addition, many of them like to watch Thai boxing at Lumphini Boxing Stadium and Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium in Bangkok. There are even tour programs to see Thai boxing.

Thai Kites

The period from February to mid - May is kite flying season for Thai people. Children in the provinces fly kites in the fields, and in Bangkok, Sanam Luang is a gathering place for kites of different kinds and colors to fly. The backdrop is the beautiful Grand Palace. In the North and the Isan regions, kite flying is done in the winter season from November to February.

There are many kinds of Thai kites, with different shapes and colors. But the kites that are usually flown for competition are chula (the ''male'' kite) and pak pao (the ''female'' kite). The Thai Sports Association has arranged the King's Cup Kite Flying Competition since 1952. An international kite flying competition is also held at Jomtien Beach near Pattaya every April.

Another Thai kite that has its own identity is the dui dui kite of Kalasin Province. It has a particular shape. The name dui dui comes from the equipment that is especially made for this kite and is attached to the head of the kite. When the kite soars into the sky, dui dui is buffeted by the wind and makes a sound. Dui dui kite flying comes after the harvest.

The Thai people have been called the "amphibious people" since the Ayutthaya Period because they go everywhere by boat and they live near water. Every year boat races are held in November. It is a proof of manhood, strength, and unity, and it was the ancient Thai precept that the teams made offerings to the sacred spirit of the waterway so that the land would be blessed with fertility.

Boat racing has been restored as a Thai sport, and the King's Cup Boat Race is held every year. The regulations are set by the Sports Authority of Thailand, which stipulates that the distance is 650 meters and the boat that reaches the line first is the winner. Nowadays, boat races are held in many provinces, for instance, the Traditional Long-boat Races in Nan, Buriram, Phichit and Phitsanulok, and Ko Lae Boat Race in Narathiwat.

Takraw

Another famous sport of the Thai people and the Southeast Asian countries is takraw. The players kick a rattan ball over a net and try not to let it drop to the ground. They may use their feet, knees, shoulders, elbows, and head, but hands may not be used.

Takraw through the Hoop. A hoop is hung 5.5 meters from the ground. Players must try to kick the rattan ball through it.

Takraw developed into sepak takraw. The first sepak takraw was played in the Southeast Asian Peninsula Games, and currently it is included in the Southeast Asian Games and the Asian Games.