Ritual and respect
Mongkhon
Also written mongkol
What it means
The braided headband a fighter wears for the wai kru, given by the camp and removed by the trainer before the fight begins. It is treated as sacred.
It is never placed on the floor and never stepped over. In a gym, the same respect extends to the ring itself and to equipment kept near the shrine.
A visitor will rarely handle one, but knowing what it is stops you doing the one thing that would genuinely offend the room.
Related
Words that go with it
Wai kru ram muay
The ritual a fighter performs in the ring before a bout, paying respect to their teacher, their camp and the sport. It is danced rather than fought, and it is not decoration.
Prajioud
The armbands worn during a fight, historically tied by a family member or trainer. Unlike the mongkhon they stay on for the bout.