กระบวนการเกิดขึ้นของ “มวยไทย” ในรัฐสมบูรณาญาสิทธิราชย์

Abstract

The objective of this thesis is to study the forming process of Muay Thai in the Absolutist State. As the Absolutist State began to create “Thainess”, Muay Thai was was created in this context. The study shows that the formation process of Muay Thai was initiated by the state through various means such as making Muay Thai a part of a modern physical education, turning Muay Thai into a state business and utilizing Muay Thai as a tool to project the power of Absolutist State. However, the boxing community also played significant role in the formation through various processes such as the Professionalization of Muay Thai boxer and the publicization of Muay Thai news. These processes are important movements that made it possible for the state and society to render the meaning of "Muay Thai" as national martial arts. This process is an imaginative construction that defines Muay Thai in Thai state and society as belonging to the Thais. The inheritance of the meaning can still be perceived in the present.