Legendary Stadium
Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium
Thailand's first standard boxing arena, recognized globally as the birthplace of modern Muay Thai.
Thailand's first standard boxing arena, recognized globally as the birthplace of modern Muay Thai.
In 1941, the Prime Minister of Thailand, Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram, issued orders to construct a national boxing stadium on Rajadamnern Avenue. This order came after the government passed land expropriation laws to enable urban redevelopment and public housing construction along the historic boulevard, with the Crown Property Bureau entrusted to oversee the project.
Initially, the stadium was planned at Misakawan Garden, at the corner of Phitsanulok Road and Rajadamnern Nok. However, the site was later moved to its current location due to spatial limitations. Today, it remains majestically located on Rajadamnern Nok Avenue, opposite the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy.
Construction contracts were awarded to the Italian firm "Impresit Italian All Estero-Oriente" in 1941. The foundation stone was laid on March 1, but progress was halted during WWII due to critical material shortages. In 1944, Pramote Phuengsunthorn (then Assistant Director of the Crown Property Bureau) revived the project. The Director, Col. Suwan Penchan, approved its continuation.
Following the end of World War II, construction resumed in August 1945. Within four months, the national boxing stadium was completed. It hosted its historic first boxing program on December 23, 1945. Pramote Phuengsunthorn served as the first Stadium Manager, holding the post until his retirement in 1947.
Pralad Isarangkura succeeded Pramote for two years, after which Chalerm Cheosakul took charge. Realizing the limitations of hosting events in an open-air arena, Chalerm proposed building a concrete roof to cover the stadium. Approved by the Crown Property Bureau, Christini & Nielsen (Thailand) constructed the signature domed roof and added tier seating, successfully making Rajadamnern the ultimate standard-setting indoor sports arena in 1951.
For seven years, the stadium operated at a loss under direct administration by the Bureau. As a result, the Crown Property Bureau prepared to lease out the operations to a private enterprise, with the condition that it must be Thai-owned. Chalerm, who believed outside managers would ruin the boxing ecosystem, formed **Rajadamnern Co., Ltd.** on May 24, 1953, and took over the lease.
Since then, Rajadamnern Co., Ltd. has successfully operated the venue, continuously modernizing utilities, safety, and production. It is globally recognized as the historic temple and standard-bearer of Muay Thai.
Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium Chief (Current)
Operated by Rajadamnern Co., Ltd.
| No. | Name | Term of Office |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pramote Phuengsunthorn | 1945 - 1947 |
| 2 | Pralad Isarangkura | 1947 - 1949 |
| 3 | Chalerm Cheosakul | 1949 - 1956 |
| 4 | Air Vice Marshal Chalermkiat Wattanangkun | 1956 - 1957 |
| 5 | Porn Panichpakdi | 1957 - 1959 |
| 6 | Nab Phongphaew | 1959 - 1970 |
| 7 | Bancha Bandhukul | 1970 - 1973 |
| 8 | Manoo Kosum | 1973 - 1984 |
| 9 | Montree Mongkolsawat | 1984 - 1985 |
| 10 | Chalermphong Cheosakul | 1985 - 1996 |
| 11 | Siladej Suwannakorn | 1996 - 2001 |
| 12 | Prai Panyalaksana | 2001 - 2018 |
| 13 | Chit Cheosakul | 2018 - Present |
Pramote Phuengsunthorn
1945-1947
Pralad Isarangkura
1947-1949
Chalerm Cheosakul
1949-1956
AVM Chalermkiat Wattanangkun
1956-1957
Porn Panichpakdi
1957-1959
Nab Phongphaew
1959-1970
Bancha Bandhukul
1970-1973
Manoo Kosum
1973-1984
Montree Mongkolsawat
1984-1985
Chalermphong Cheosakul
1985-1996
Siladej Suwannakorn
1996-2001
Prai Panyalaksana
2001-2018
Chit Cheosakul
2018-Present
Going back to when the Crown Property Bureau hosted the historic Grand Opening of Rajadamnern Stadium on December 23, 24, and 25, 1945, records note that **His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX) along with His Royal Brother, King Ananda Mahidol (King Rama VIII)**, graced the arena to view the opening matches. This brought immense joy and royal pride to the administrators and staff of Rajadamnern.
His Majesty later granted royal permission to establish the "Muay Thai Fighters Fund under the Ananda Mahidol Foundation" on October 13, 1961. Following this, His Majesty personally graced the stadium two more times on November 13, 1961, and February 25, 1965, to spectate charity matches supporting the foundation.
Furthermore, His Majesty royal-commissioned the Crown Prince (the current King Rama X) to represent him in viewing the 6th Charity Muay Thai Match for the Ananda Mahidol Foundation on Wednesday, January 17, 1979.
Rajadamnern Stadium is not merely a model stadium built after WWII; it is a legendary institution that arose from national prestige and has continuously preserved the highest values of Muay Thai sportsmanship for over 80 years.
