Round 1

Every round of a Muay Thai bout has its own rhythmic soundtrack, Phleng Muay “Music for Boxing” played live by four musicians playing —a Pi (reed instrument similar to an oboe), two Klong Khaek (double-headed drum) and a Ching (small bell-like cymbal.) The tempo of the music changes for each round starting from slow and stately in round 1 to more aggressive and frenzied by round 5.

These images were photographed on film using a vintage Leica CL 35mm rangefinder camera.