Frequently Asked Questions:

How long can I train?

Phuket Muay Thai Gym and Camp is open all year round. You can train for a day, a week, a month or a year. Their is no restrictions on how often you must train, except in the advanced and fighter programs. We suggest though to follow the training plans on page :

Thai Boxing Training Programs

as your chance of training with real Muay Thai fighters and trainers in Thailand is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Can females train at Phuket Muay thai Camp?

Absolutely !We have many females who train at Phuket Muay thai camp. Some are Pro fighters and some come for the fitness training. We welcome all who want to train (males, females & children). on the average 20-30% of our students are female. Minimum age for children is around 13-14 years old, exceptions can be arranged. Safety first.

Is Phuket Muay thai camp suitable for a person with no previous martial arts experience?

The trainers at the Phuket camp speak and understand English. . We welcome everyone from beginners to Pro fighters. We have 3 programs depending on your level, please see : Training programs and cost on our web page. Because of the fact that we accept no more than 20-25 students, with 7 active trainers and 3 fighter trainers you will have all the training 1:1 time required. Certifications for all levels are available. please see the training programs and :

                           Certification at Phuket Muay Thai

My Fitness is not 100%, will I be able to cope with the training?

Training is available twice a day: 7 am to 10 am & 4 pm to 7pm. You can train up to 6 hours every day or as little as 1 hour per day. When, how often and how long is entirely up to you.(in the beginner level) You can start at 7am or any time during training hours. We will design a training plan that is fits your fitness level and goals.

A good portion of our students are coming for the fitness  and weight loss benefits of Muay Thai.

When is the best time to come?

Any time is a good time to be in Thailand.The gym is open 6 days a week all year round. The peak tourist season in from November to April. The weather is not as humid during these months. However from May to August Phuket receives an occasional thunderstorm. Most rain falls during September and October. It can rain for days during those 2 month. These are tropical rains and it is still warm. Our outdoor gym is protected. It's actually cooler during the rainy season. Prices are lower throughout Phuket and the beaches are deserted between April and November.

Do I need a special visa? Where do I get my visa for Thailand?

In most cases you will not need a special visa. A tourist visa is sufficient for training and even fighting an amateur or professional fight. About 45 countries (Europe, US, Canada, South America) are eligible for a visa upon arrival. That means you will get your visa when you arrive at the airport in Bangkok, Phuket or Chiang Mai. It will be valid for 30 days and can be easily renewed in Thailand  for another 30 days. After that time if you intend to stay longer you will need to make a "visa run" which is a day trip to Burma (4hrs from Phuket) or Myanmar (new name for Burma). You will receive another 30 days.The cost of the visa and trip is 1500 Baht.It takes you through an exciting part of Thailand (Pang Nga and Ranong).DO NOT OVERSTAY YOUR VISA BY EVEN 1 DAY, PENALTIES AND COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR NEXT CROSSING WILL BE THE RESULT.  In some cases, where students want to stay for extended periods, we can help arrange a long stay B-type student visa up to 1 year PRIOR to your departure, be sending a certificate of attendance to your Thai embassy.

Attention: Recent changes in visa laws: the 30 day tourist visa can only be renewed 2 times for a total of 90 days, after that you will required to obtain a new visa (not tourist) at the nearest Thai embassy outside of Thailand. Do NOT under any circumstances use the the services of companies that promise you a visa without you having to travel (passport only). That is against the law, you will subject to arrest and immediate deportation. Companies claiming "connections" with Immigration do not operate legally and only you are liable for your legal status. In case of doubt do ask the camp manager or owner. Do PROPER planning in advance, we live here, we operate here for many years, and are updated weekly on any changes. DO NOT rely on friends, blogs and creative ideas, immigration is serious in any country .

How much money will I need for a month in Thailand? Do I need Insurance ?

This is a difficult answer and is completely dependent on your lifestyle. In general food, drinks, clothing, medical care and transportation are much cheaper than western and some asian countries. Items such as vitamins, supplements, shoes (yes!) can be much higher. Entertainment can ruin the best budgets. The guideline is :  accommodation price + training price + 10 Euros/15 USD/day for food and a motorcycle covers the minimum needed.

The above rates are a guide only. Click Here << To check Today's exchange rate.

Insurance is not required, but recommended for stays longer than a couple of weeks. While medical care is very affordable and as good as any western standard (in phuket, samui and bangkok), a travel insurance is cheap and affordable. Our camp does not carry insurance (other than property and loss of property due to natural disasters , nor is the camp liable for any injuries sustained during training. We do provide 24hr security, first aid and transportation to medical facilities if needed. Fighters are insured during their fights, provided  that the fights are set-up by the CAMP Director, properly authorized and sanctioned by Thai Sports Authority. See more in Photos and Fights !!

Rental cars carry insurance, motorcycles (for obvious reasons) DO NOT , other than perhaps third party insurance. There are alternative ways to provide safe transportation, Phuket , compared to other islands has lots of hills, road conditions are WAY below western standards and specially with a bit of rain.......

Do I need to book accommodation?

YES is advisable to book accommodation in advance if you want to guarantee your stay at Phuket Muay Thai camp. Rooms at the camp are in very high demand. They are often booked one or two months in advance, especially our Deluxe Villas.

How do I book accommodation and training?

For training and accommodation, click here: Accommodation

Where in Thailand is Phuket?

Phuket is an Island on the south west side of Thailand. Phuket is a 1 hour flight south from Bangkok or 12 hours by bus. From Hat Yai (a Thai city near the Malaysian border), it is a 1 hour flight to Phuket

.

See Goggle Map of Gym/Phuket and Thailand HERE !

Click Here << To see domestic & International flights to Phuket with Thai Airways

Is there an airport at Phuket? How do I get to the gym from the airport?

Phuket airport is located on the north end of the Island. Flights from Bangkok arrive every hour. From Chang Mai there is a direct flight every morning. International flights arrive daily from Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia. Print our map or Goggle map prior to departure. They are in Thai and clearly marked.

Complimentary airport transfer for 4 weeks or longer are provided free of charge, please let us know in advance regarding your flights or changes in plan.

Phuket Muay Thai Camp does not accept commissions, nor referrals to motorcycle or car rents. Our business is Muay Thai, please report any issues directly to camp director.We may suggest a place or two, but we focus on our core business.

Do I need to bring my training gear?

We supply hand wraps, gloves and shin pads, as well as Headgear for training. Some people prefer to bring their own gear. Others take advantage of the low prices of Muay Thai equipment in our shop located at Phuket Muay Thai camp. Prices in our shop are usually 1/2 or less the price you would pay outside of Thailand. We sell almost everything (Thai shorts, T shirts, wraps, gloves, shin pads, muay Thai CD's & DVD's and more). You will need to purchase 1-2 pairs of Muay Thai shorts and a mouth piece, we supply the rest.

You need to bring your supplements, protein powder and some light closing as well as 1-2 good pairs of running shoes.

Health in Thailand and Muay Thai

Thailand is 200km from the equator and humidity is 70% to 90% in Phuket. The food is extremely spicy and the time difference between home and Thailand ranges from 6 to 12hrs. These are the most common issues that our camp experiences (and most Hotels as well)

1. Jet lag and dehydration:

The training, combined with humidity and Jet lag requires constant hydration for the first few days, no matter what you feel or think you should consume at least 3-5 liters of water in the first few days. Dehydration can result in dizziness, cramps, vomiting and at least 3 days in bed.

2. Infections from cuts, bruises or wet clothing

The tropical climate, combined with a small scratch, abrasion, wet clothing or shoes will result in a full scale infection or worse if left untreated. Any clothing should be dried or not worn at all, any small wounds cleaned and treated right away. Will save you 3-7 days of antibiotics and bed. 1km from our camp is a clinic with one of the best doctors on the island, for a few dollars the clinic will treat you right away.

3. Food

While Thai food is excellent and usually very clean, it contains spices that most of you have never experienced. Stomach problems, diarrhea and weakness can be avoided by easing into Thai food. Rice, fruits and Fish are preferable at first, before you go for anything more exotic. Food poisoning is EXTREMELY rare, but avoid eating something that you cant recognize or is not yet cooked.Or not yet dead.

4. Special Muay Thai care

Bruises, bumps on legs and foot are the most common training side effects. We train barefoot and the shins, as well as feet have to get used to this sport . Shin hardening and foot sole hardening will occur automatically, this is the way Thais train and fight and anything else is myth. Get used to it, rest if it hurts, or change training regime. Alternate conditioning, running, with muay thai training is a good way. THERE IS NO SHIN CONDITIONINING SHORTCUTS OR MAGIC, TRAIN and hit the bags and pads. The Shins and elbows will follow. Is is after all a martial art and KICKBOXING. For running, shoes are a must, for camp training and fighting shoes are not allowed .

The Thai law, is it different ? What do i need to be legal in Thailand ?

The Thai laws are based on the British law system and are very similar to the US and Western laws. Thailand chooses to enforce some laws and sometimes not, but that means in no case that there are no laws. Samui chooses not to enforce helmet laws, Phuket does. Phuket also has the highest rates of accidents per month of all Thailand.As well as highest amount of head traumas.

Drug offences, gambling (outside stadiums), Immigration laws and disrespect to Her Majesty the King are enforced with extreme prejudice, meaning penalties are severe, in some cases much more severe than any Western country. Ranging from deportation (for minor cases) to the death penalty (drugs), death penalties are usually commuted to life in prison for Westerners at the "Bangkok Hilton", or Klong Toi, which is documented in several books. You will not be able to use lawyers from your country, receive visitors or plea bargain nor expect any leniency. Admission of guilt reduces sentences by 50%, that's still a lot of years. Follow the law, life will be good !! Drunk driving and/or getting into fights with Thais (over nothing) is a good way to get shorten your stay in Thailand. Thais are VERY accommodating and forgiving, do not interpret this as a sign of weakness. When pushed around or insulted publicly, they will react. They also start training at the age of 7, 80% of man and woman.

To be legal you need a visa for the length of your stay, a return ticket and enough funds. You are not allowed to work, unless arrangements are made properly. Driver licenses are required, even for mopeds, you can get an International license for 10 USD at any travel agency, AAA or similar PRIOR to your departure, your countries license is NOT valid in Thailand. Just like you cant drive with a UK license in the USA. Besides the traffic follows the UK side of the road, as well as the traffic laws.

Traffic accidents are common, even minor accidents you have to resolve, the arriving police officer has a WIDE range of options and decision making authority. Be nice and pleasant in any case, quiet wins, loud looses. If you can solve anything on the spot, with the other party.....do it. After all the police rather is rather busy (moving papers.....) and happy to see things done without waisting trips to the station.\

As a Nak Muay (Muay Thai Student )you will get a lot more respect everywhere, so don't compare yourself to the average beer guzzling tourist, you must set the standards.

I want to see a live fight or I want to set up a fight for myself, how ?

Live fights are regularly scheduled for the gym, both within and outside of Phuket you are welcome to attend all. The local stadiums (4) have regular fight nights 7 times per week, although the quality maybe variable. The best fights are in Bangkok, Ko Samui and Chiang Mai, we have special price arrangements with those stadiums and the local gyms, will be happy to help you to arrange the best local stadiums. Ask the staff.

There are many world championship events scheduled, usually in or around Bangkok, please see our web page or the World Muay Thai Council  page for announcements .Please see Gym Director for participating in amateur or professional championships.

For fighters there are strict rules that are governed by Thai safety and legal laws, as well as the camps responsibilities. Please see for more details : Photos and Fights

What can I do when I don't want to train?

There is always plenty to do in Rawai, Kata or Patong. The most common pastimes are eating, swimming, surfing or just relaxing on the beach. Other activities include:

• Fishing
• Snorkeling
• Cycling
• Elephant rides
• Shopping & night markets
• Sleep

The gym has a huge selection of the latest DVD's (all rooms have a DVD player) We have a international Channel Sat TV system and you can watch in the comfort of your room all Thai Muay Thai TV fights (Th, Fri, Sat and Sun) from Lumpini, Omnoi and Bangkok stadiums. We have 4 channels linked to your room with International Programs, such as HBO, Cine max, ESPN, Super sports etc. If your favorite team plays on any channel, just request it at the reception or office and we will gladly dial it in for you.

Wireless WIF, high speed Internet access is available in all bungalows and office. Email, web development, e-commerce can be all done on line. . Email and Internet browsing is free, high speed and large download packages are available on a hourly basis, for a reasonable fee.

Bring your laptop and do you work inside the comfort of your bungalows. The Internet is secure, but during heavy downpours or winds we may experience slowdown or some outages. That goes for the entire island. Power fluctuations and outages are common, just like in the rest of the country or Phuket, we have superior infrastructure, but when the lights go out.....they are out everywhere, welcome to Asia. :))