Tiger Muay Thai F.A.Q – Frequent Asked Questions about Training Muay Thai in Thailand

Here is a collection of frequently asked questions by guests visiting Tiger Muay Thai and MMA training camp in Phuket, Thailand.

If you find any of your questions are not answered here on the FAQ page, please feel free to contact us at info@tigermuaythai.com and well be happy to answer your questions as best we can. You can also check out our forum/message board, a lot of the questions you might have has already been answered there.


Q: What makes TMT different from other gyms and camps in Thailand?

Tiger Muay Thai & MMA is the largest Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) training facility in Thailand. Our Muay Thai training areas are fully equipped with 28 heavy bags, medium bags, small bags, upper cut bags, knee boards and agility ball training stations split between them.

We have 4 large Muay Thai rings and an MMA fighting cage with a new 160Sq. meter padded MMA training area. Our weight-lifting area is complete with a certified PBBAT trainer and nutritionist who speaks great English, and we have a Yoga program that runs twice a day.

At TMT we like to keep our guest to trainer ratio low to ensure our students receive as much one-on-one time as possible. We offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced training programs for guests with little or no experience to professional fighters that come to prepare for their next match.

Our Muay Thai program was designed and is run by Ajarn Mac, a Master Instructor with over 40 years of experience in the sport. We also have two other Master Instructors heading up our programs to ensure our guests recieve the highest calibur of training.

Our MMA program is run by Magical Ray Elbe, a professional MMA and Muay Thai fighter who is a purple belt under 2nd Degree BJJ Black Belt Juliano Prado. Ray is a pay per view veteran with over 30 professional MMA fights and has held several championship belts. He maintains a high level of intensity throughout his classes (beginners and advanced) to help our guests improve their technique and overall fitness. Click here to view Ray’s Sherdog record.

The Tiger Muay Thai & MMA guest relations department is second to none. Our staff speak great English and are available around the clock to help guests with anything they need. They are very friendly and work hard to insure every guest is receiving the most out of their stay here in Phuket.
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Q: Where is Phuket’s location in Thailand?

Phuket is an island on the southwestern coast of Thailand that is approximately 60 km long and 20 km wide. The flight from Bangkok is just over an hour, or about 12 hours by road.
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Q: Where in Phuket is Tiger Muay Thai & MMA located?

Our Muay Thai training camp is located on a quiet road in Chalong that rests in the shadow of the Karon Buddha. The 60 meter high gold-leafed Buddha sits at the top of a local mountain that overlooks Phuket, Chalong, Kata and Karon. Due to Chalong being a port town, it is home to a large boating community, pier, wonderful fresh seafood restaurants, scuba diving shops, markets, and other fantastic attractions.

The fountain at Chalong circle (round-a-bout) sits on the main road leading to Nai Harn Beach to the south and Kata-Karon and Patong to the west. Its central location is ideal and the locals like to say, “In Chalong, you’re five minutes from everywhere.”

The Tiger Muay Thai & MMA training camp is close to many great beaches and attractions that are located near Chalong, making them easy to find. Elephants and water buffalo can often be seen grazing in the fields, and trained monkeys climb up coconut palms and drop the fruit to the ground to be collected and sold at local markets or road-side stands.

A wonderful boat restaurant operates from the main Chalong pier, concluding each evening dinner cruise with a beautiful fireworks show that lights up the bay and surrounding beaches. Many small entertainment bars, karaoke’s, and nightspots have opened around the town in recent years.

Guests staying at the camp will need transportation in order to get around the island. Motorbikes, motorbike taxis, Tuk-Tuks, buses and/or taxi cabs are all readily available. Motorbikes can be rented through local companies or the camp for approximately 150 Baht per day / 1000 Baht per week. A valid passport or operators license is required.

See Tiger Muay Thai & MMA on Google Maps
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Q: How do I make a reservation? Do you require a deposit?

Please choose your preferred method of contact on our Contact page or email directly to TMTPhuket@gmail.com.

We do not ask for booking deposits however payments for training, meal plan and TMT accommodations can be made in advance by PayPal (2) for a discount. We also accept Thai Baht, Visa and MasterCard in our office.
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Q: What accommodation is offered at or through the camp?

Standard Gym Bungalows, Budget Fighter Rooms and Dorm Rooms can be rented directly from Tiger Muay Thai & MMA.

For a list of other accommodations offered through the camp, see the Accommodations page.

You may have guests stay with you long-term or short-term at no extra cost. An extra bed can be put in your room if enough space is available.
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Q: When should I book my accommodations?

It is best to make your reservations as soon as possible.

Many of our rooms and bungalows are booked months in advance, so to ensure you get the one you want, please contact us before you arrive.
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Q: Where do I get an invitation letter for a VISA?

Upon arriving in Bangkok or Phuket by plane you will be issued a 30 day entry stamp if you did not get a travel VISA before leaving your home country. When your 30 days are over, you will be required to leave and re-enter Thailand in order to stay for another 15 days to 3+ months.

If you would like to apply for a long-term VISA in advance our official invitation letter can help you get one to come train with us in Phuket, Thailand.

Please e-mail TMTPhuket@gmail.com for more information and include length of stay, your nationality with the country you will be applying in.
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Q: What is a VISA Run and where can I book one?

Upon arriving in Bangkok or Phuket by plane you will be issued a 30 day entry stamp if you did not get a travel VISA before leaving your home country. When your 30 days are over, you will be required to leave and re-enter Thailand in order to stay for another 15 days to 3+ months.

Tour bus services offer VISA Runs to various borders around the island, the most popular being to Ranong to cross into Burma (Myanmar) and a 2 day trip to Penang, Malaysia.

Please see our VISA Run Information page to learn more about the immigration policies here in Thailand. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
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Q: How do I get from the Phuket airport to the camp?

If you contact us in advance with your flight number, date and time of arrival, we will have one of our drivers meet you at the airport holding a small sign that says “TIGER MUAY THAI”. The gym is about 45 minutes from the airport and our drivers know the location of the gym and all of the bungalows and rooms serviced through the camp.

They are friendly and courteous, and more than happy to stop along the way for you to get something to eat and/or drink, and use an ATM. Our drivers do not inflate rates or take you places you do not want to go.

Many taxis are available at the airport if you’d like to find your own way, though the prices are usually slightly higher. As you leave the baggage claim area and head outside there are salespeople that will offer you a taxi or van to wherever you would like to go.
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Q: What kind of money do I use in Thailand?

The Thai currency is called “Baht” (bot). The Baht currently trades around 29-31 to 1 US Dollar. There are banks, ATM’s and currency exchange booths all over the island, making it easy to do your banking and withdraw money.

A passport is usually required as identification if you want to do transactions at banks or exchange booths, and most hotels will change currency for you for a small fee.

Please ase a currency converter to check against your country’s exchange rate.
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Q: How much money do I need while in Phuket?

Phuket has very affordable prices on most items. Always try to negotiate a price for something before buying, especially for tuk-tuks and taxis, night markets, and small shopping plazas.

More information is on the expected expenses & budget page.
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Q: Where can I purchase Muay Thai and/or MMA equipment?

You are welcome to bring your own training equipment, however if you would like to purchase some while in Phuket, our gym has a fully stocked equipment shop with Muay Thai / MMA shorts and gloves, t-shirts, mouth guards, shin guards, equipment cleaner, muscle liniment, protein powders, various supplements, and catalogues where you can order standard or custom equipment.

Your name, club, gym and/or country can be added in Thai or English to Muay Thai shorts, and we also offer custom made patches.

Tiger Muay Thai & MMA is a “wholesale rep” of TWINS, RAJA and INTER equipment manufactured in Thailand.
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Q: When is the best time to come to Phuket?

Phuket has two distinct seasons: the dry season (high-season) and the rainy season (low-season).

High Season
The high season is from November to April. Most tourists choose to come to Phuket at the peak of the high season in December when the weather is dry and hot with little chance of rain. The average temperature is 32c-38c with a humidex of around +80%.

The water is calm on most beaches and it only rains about 1-2 days a month. Hotel and service prices rise slightly due to more tourists arriving on the island.

Low Season
The low season runs from May to October. Phuket is not as crowded but there are still plenty of tourists. On average it rains 2 days each week, and sometimes several days in a row (we don’t stop training just because it is raining), but there are still many beautiful and sunny days.

The temperature is generally between 26c-30c with a humidex of +50%. The waves are larger on the beaches, drawing surfers and boogie boarders out to ride in the water. The cooler weather makes conditions nice to train in, with smaller crowds and better prices on items at local markets.
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Q: What do I need to bring?

Other than a passport, VISA (if you wish to apply for one before arriving) and ID, it is up to you. Thailand is very humid and most of our guests shower several times a day, so we recommend bringing a few changes of clothing to wear while others are being washed. We have a laundry service available for guests at the gym.

Most items you need can be purchased here on the island. Clothes, shoes, sandals, towels, toiletries and more are very inexpensive and easy to find.
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Q: Does TMT cater to people with little or no experience in Muay Thai, MMA or any other martial art?

We offer beginners programs in both Muay Thai and MMA for guests with little or no experience in martial arts. Our guests come to train for many reasons: weight loss, exercise, self-defense, and others to prepare for a fight.

We also offer Yoga, Bootcamp, Krabi Krabong, Muay Boran, Strength and Conditioning and other styles of training for those with different interests in fitness and combat arts. Tiger Muay Thai & MMA caters to all of our guests needs and preferences.
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Q: What type of fitness level do I need to train?

Adjusting to Thailand’s climate will take a few days to a week. Your level of fitness will gradually increase the more you train, so there is no need to worry about whether you are in good enough shape or not. Our trainers allow you to work at your own pace while helping you increase your endurance and stamina at each session.

Many of our guests have no experience in Muay Thai or MMA, and some have been fighting for years. Our training programs have been designed to suit everyone who comes to train with us.

Read more about our beginners, intermediate and advanced Muay Thai training programs.
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Q: Will I get hurt training with Thai boxers and trainers?

Aside from an ache, muscle cramp or minor sprain, no, you should not worry about getting hurt while training. We begin each training session with a minimum of 20 minutes of stretching and also offer Yoga classes twice a day to improve flexibility and prevent injuries.

Our trainers will push you as hard as you like. Sparring sessions are every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (boxing in the morning, Muay Thai in the afternoon), and our trainers watch and control the action at all times. Your sparring partner will only hit you as hard as you hit them. As a strict rule, sparring is done at 75% speed and power.

Muay Thai is a very physical sport; occasionally a student will get a little rough in the ring, and the trainer will give as good as he gets. If you ask, trainers will increase or decrease the speed and intensity of sparring and ring action in order to make you feel more comfortable. They are here to teach and help you, not hurt you.

You can read more about our Thai trainers here.
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Q: Can I have a real Muay Thai fight while in Thailand?

Yes. Many of our students want to experience a real Muay Thai fight against a Thai or foreigner here in Phuket, Thailand. Our trainers will work hard to prepare you for a 5-round fight, and you will have the opportunity to fight in Patong, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Koh Phi Phi Koh Lanta, Trang, and more.

All Muay Thai fights have a referee, judges, corner men and a doctor present at each match… along with all of the students from the gym cheering. Gambling is legal in boxing stadiums, so students are welcome to place bets on themselves and others.

Tiger Muay Thai & MMA will be with you every step of the way, start to finish. From Training and conditioning to taking you to the fight, massaging and wrapping your hands, and staying in your corner until you defeat your opponent.

Become a member of Team Tiger Muay Thai and Team MMA Thailand and experience a real fight while on your training vacation in Phuket, Thailand.
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Q: Where can I get pictures and video footage of me training?

Tiger Muay Thai has a on-site professional Videographer & Photographer for hire to affordable rates!

Pleas see our Video & Photo Service for more information.
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Q: Are there any inclusive training or food packages available at the camp?

Training
We offer two different Muay Thai training packages: V.I.P and DELUXE.
The V.I.P training package comes with 2 group and 2 private one-on-one sessions each day for 9,000 Baht a week / 36,000 Baht a month. Our DELUXE package comes with 2 group and 1 private one-on-one session a day for 5,500 Baht a week / 20,000 Baht a month.

Read more about our training packages.

Tiger Grill
The Tiger Grill is located at the camp and offers a wide variety of healthy Thai and foreign foods at very affordable prices. We offer breakfast foods like cereal, oats, fruit, and yoghurt to eggs, protein shakes and coffee; and lunch/dinner meals like BBQ chicken, fried rice, grilled steak and seafood. The Tiger Grill has something for everyone.

For guests looking to save money on food we have meal plans available for purchase. They include 2 meals a day, 7 days a week, with Thai dishes, soup, veggies, white or brown rice, drinks, and a variety of options to choose from.

Weekly Meal Plan – 2000 Baht
Monthly Meal Plan – 7500 Baht

See the menu and more about our food & meal plans.
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Q: Do I need to get any vaccinations before arriving in Phuket, Thailand?

No vaccinations are necessary.
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Q: Does the gym train women and children?

Everyone is welcome at Tiger Muay Thai. On average we have 3-5+ women training in each ring at every session.

Families and children are welcome to train with us too. No matter your sex or age, you’ll have a wonderful time at the gym.
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Q: What is the standard voltage for electronics in Phuket?

Plugs across Thailand are 220V. Plug adapters can be purchased in airports at Duty Free shops, and some hotels and bungalows will also have one set out for use.

It is best to purchase your own if needed.
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Q: Where can I purchase appliances such as a water heater, hot plate, and other kitchen appliances / utensils?

Central Festival and Big C both carry a wide range of kitchen appliances and other things you may need while staying in Phuket.

Our office can arrange to have one of our taxis drive you to and from the store if you are making any big purchases.
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Q: Where can I purchase a mobile phone, SIM Card, and/or minutes?

SIM Cards and minutes / air time can be purchased at any 7/11 (Seven Eleven) convenience store. At Tiger Muay Thai we have phones available for purchase in our office that include SIM cards with all of the essential contact numbers you will need while in Phuket.

If your phone is not compatible with Thai SIMs you can purchase a mobile phone at the gym or Central Festival (mall), Big C, and other locations around Chalong, Kata/Karon, Patong, etc.
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Q: Where can I rent a motorbike / do laundry / use the internet?

Motorbikes can be rented through the camp and virtually anywhere around the island. A valid passport and drivers license is required. If you are able to obtain an international drivers license before arriving, it will ensure that you are not automatically at fault in case of an accident. A regular drivers license from your home country is fine if you want to drive, but if you are involved in an accident (whether you are at fault or not) you will more than likely be held accountable.

Laundry service is available at the camp and very affordable. Write your name on a piece of paper and put it in a bag with your clothes and they will be returned, pressed and folded, within 1-2 days.

Wi-Fi internet is also available at the camp; just ask for the network key in the office. Camp computers are set out for our guests to use any time during office hours. There are many internet cafe’s and Wi-Fi Hotspots around Phuket.
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Q: Is there a hospital, clinic or pharmacy located nearby?

Phuket has several clean and modern hospitals including Phuket International Hospital, located 6 km from the camp. They offer emergency and outpatient services and have a full dental wing with very affordable prices.

Pharmacies and Clinics are located all over the island. Chalong has several which are close to the camp.

If you become sick and need medicine, or need to fill a prescription, the Pharmacists and Clinicians speak very good English and the prices are very affordable.
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Q: Where can I find a tutor to learn the Thai language?

English is mandatory in Thai schools so many locals speak and/or understand some English. Our office staff have information on Thai classes and private tutors for students who are serious about learning the language.

For those who just want to know some basic words to communicate, we have put together an index of helpful words and phrases here.
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