Contemporary Muay Thai Performing Arts under the Concept of the Artistic Power of Navayudha

Abstract

Background and Aims: This qualitative study aimed to: 1) examine and synthesize knowledge on Keeta Muay Thai and Na Ta Muay Thai in physical, aesthetic, and cultural dimensions; 2) analyze the relationships and distinctions between Keeta Muay Thai and Na Ta Muay Thai as contemporary applications of Muay Thai; and 3) develop a conceptual framework of Contemporary Muay Thai Performing Arts under the concept of the Artistic Power of Navayudha.

Methodology: The study employed documentary research and knowledge synthesis. Data sources included academic articles, research reports, dissertations, books, government documents, and relevant academic materials retrieved from ThaiJO/TCI, Google Scholar, thesis databases, and official websites. The documents covered the period from 1997 to 2024. Key documents were collected and selected according to relevance, credibility, and alignment with the research objectives.

Results: The findings reveal that Keeta Muay Thai and Na Ta Muay Thai share the common foundation of Navayudha, but they emphasize different aspects. Keeta Muay Thai focuses on movement for well-being, physical fitness, musical rhythm, and participant engagement, whereas Na Ta Muay Thai emphasizes aesthetics, ritual, music, storytelling, and the communication of cultural values.

Conclusion: The synthesis led to a conceptual framework of Contemporary Muay Thai Performing Arts consisting of three phases: ritual, development, and climax. Navayudha functions as the central mechanism connecting body movement, rhythm, choreography, and cultural meaning. The concept of the Artistic Power of Navayudha therefore elevates Navayudha from martial techniques to artistic language and contemporary cultural capital. This framework can be applied to education, performing arts, cultural preservation, cultural tourism, creative economy, and Thai soft power development.