SongKran (Thai New Year)
at Wat Sriratanaram
on Sunday, 27th April
There is lots to see and do at the festival, Thai classical dancing, Thai food, Water Fights, Thai Music, Miss SongKran Contest, Building Sand Pagodas and of course the Thai Martial Arts, performed by the Sitsiam Camp/Buddhai Swan.
Buddhist chanting begins in the morning.
The entertainment will begin at midday (Thai Time!)
Our Thai Martial Arts show will be at about 1.30pm.
All are welcome to enjoy the Thai New Year with us.
Wat Sriratanaram
Moss Lane,Kearsley,
Bolton,
BL4 8SF.

Who was Por Kru Samai Masamarn?
A brief history:
Por Kru (Father Teacher) was born on 5th May 2457 (1914) in the Maharat District of Ayuddhaya.
His father was the headmaster of the Amnoisen school and was an expert in traditional Thai weapons.
Por Kru led an interesting and unique life; he was a spy during the Second World War passing on information about the Japanese invasion force to the Thai Resistance movement which would in turn be passed on to the British. A photographer for Pim-Thai Newspaper he became famous for an image he captured exposing corrupt politicians in Thailand. He established the Ta-Prajam Thai Boxing Stadium.
It is resurrection of the Buddhai Swan Institute that Por Kru Samai is most famous for, The Buddhai Swan (Wat Phutthai sawan) can trace its history back over 680 years.
In 2489 (1945) Por Kru began his quest to teach the people about the art of Krabi Krabong and in 2500 (1956) the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama the 9th awarded the Buddhai Swan Standard to Por Kru Samai, to carry forth for the education of Krabi Krabong (Thai Weapons).
Por Kru Samai was honoured with several accolades during his lifetime, two of these awards were special to Por Kru, the first award which was presented on behalf of the King of Thailand (Rama 9) for preserving the martial arts of Thailand for the self defence of the Nation.The second was The Culture Authority Award for support of sports and entertainment.
It was the entertainment part of this award that was especially important to Por Kru Samai, it was given for the Buddhai Swan's spectacular demonstrations and historical re-enactments at many of the large festivals, including her Majesty the Queen of Thailand's birthday in which our teacher Arjarn Tony was honoured to be part.
Today it is the Masamarn family who continue the work of Por Kru, teaching the Royal Thai Army and on occasions teaching Thai movie stars for their fighting roles.
Just recently the Buddhai Swan Institute opened the Buddhai Swan Khorat (Nakhon Ratchasima) Institute which is run by the Royal Thai Army.
The Sitsiam Camp/Buddhai Swan are honoured to be part of the Buddhai Swan family and will continue to carry on the good work of Por Kru Samai, to preserve and promote the heritage of the Thai Martial Arts for future generations.
"Buddhai Swan Chai Yo"

AKSE p19, the Manchester graffiti artist completes a stunning piece of art at the Sitsiam Camp. The portrait is of Kru Steven Moore, instructor at the Sitsiam Camp. 
Click below to watch the Thai Martial Arts short film.
Thai Martial Arts, Muay Thai (Thai Boxing), Muay Boran (Traditional Thai Boxing) and Krabi Krabong (Thai Weapons Art).
This short film is testament to the past and present Teachers who dedicated their lives to preserving the Thai Martial Arts.
It is important that todays generation of teachers preserve the "Thainess" of the art with all the rituals and culture associated with Thailand, the birthplace of the Thai Martial Arts.

Tracking the Warrior Tour .
The trip will be organised for The end of October/November, 2025.
Please pick up your booking form from our reception or click the link. Booking Form.
Nowadays, there are many training in Thailand trips available for Thai Boxing enthusiasts wishing to undergo the rigours of training in an authentic Thai Boxing Camp.

The Tracking the Warrior Tour is so much more!
Students will have the opportunity to train in their chosen disciplines of the Thai Martial Arts, not just Muay Thai but also Muay Boran and Krabi krabong.
Aside training, students will be able to visit many of the historical places which are synonymous with the Thai Martial Arts, they will learn about the history of the warrior Kings of Siam and other Thai heroes which have been an essential part in the development of the Thai Martial Arts.
Finally, Students will be taught about the history and culture of this fascinating country, as I believe to fully understand and appreciate the Thai Martial Arts students should understand the history and culture behind them.
With over 35 years experience in travelling to Thailand.