RULE 1: THE RING
1.1) The boxing ring must be equipped with an approved safety mat. It shall measure no less than 18 feet (5.5 meters) and no more than 24 feet (7.3 meters) square between the ropes, unless mutually agreed to by both camps and authorized by the local combat sports commission and the WBC MuayThai supervisor. The apron shall extend 24 inches (0.61 meters) beyond the ropes.

1.2) The ring must have four (4) ropes for safety. The ropes may extend as high as 4 feet (1.22 meters) from the canvas and shall not be less than 1 inch (2.54 cm) in diameter, wrapped securely in a soft material and hung to a normal tightness.

1.3) The ring shall have two (2) easily accessible stairways for the boxers and personnel to walk in and out safely, and steps available for medical personnel to enter the ring. All four (4) corners must be covered with corner pads to protect the boxers.

1.4) All WBC MuayThai championship title contests must only be contested in a ring.

RULE 2: GLOVES
2.1) The gloves for the fight will be 8 ounces from minimumweight up to and including welterweight, and 10 ounces from super welterweight up to and including heavyweight. The promoter will provide gloves unless otherwise stated and agreed upon by all parties. After the gloves are chosen at the weigh-in, they shall remain in the possession of either the supervisor or the local combat sports representative until they are delivered to the appropriate camps in the locker rooms. The spare gloves shall remain ringside with the WBC MuayThai supervisor or local combat sports commission representative. Any illegal manipulation of the gloves to provide an unfair advantage for a fighter shall result in sanctions against the appropriate camp as determined by the WBC MuayThai, and the auxiliary pair of gloves shall be used as the primary pair.

RULE 3: HAND BANDAGES
3.1) Fighters must wrap their hands with soft hand bandages not longer than six (6) meters and not wider than five (5) centimeters for each hand.

3.2) Fighters may use commission or sanctioning body-approved tape, but it must not be longer than two and a half (2 ½) meters and two and a half (2 ½) centimeters wide for each hand to top-up on the wrist or back of the hand. It is forbidden to top-up the tape across the knuckles.

3.3) Fighters must use only the bandages provided by the local combat sports commission. The promoter may supply their own once they have been checked by the commission’s team and/or the WBC MuayThai supervisor.
Hand wrapping must be inspected and stamped by the WBC fight supervisor or the local commission representative to certify that the wraps have been correctly placed on the hands of the fighter.

RULE 5: WEIGHT DIVISIONS AND WEIGH-IN

Divisions and weight limits for competitions

Weigh-In Procedures

5.1) Fighters must weigh in without clothes (underwear permitted) one day before the contest, 24–30 hours before the scheduled fight time.

5.2) Exceptions to the above rule are allowed when championships are held in Thailand, following the rules and regulations of the Boxing Board of Control, and in certain other circumstances with the agreement of the WBC MuayThai supervisor for a same-day weigh-in.

5.3) Before the weigh-in, fighters must have their physical condition examined by the event doctor to certify that they are physically fit and healthy.

5.4) Female fighters must be allowed to weigh in privately. Weigh-ins should only be conducted by female officials or witnesses.

5.5) Safety Weigh-Ins: The final and official weigh-in of the fighters shall occur no less than 24 hours and no more than 30 hours before a WBC MuayThai bout, due to the possible adverse results of dehydration and subsequent rehydration of fighters to make the required weight limit for a bout. To encourage safe weight loss in advance of a WBC MuayThai bout, additional pre-fight weigh-ins are to be held 30 days and 7 days before the official 30–24-hour weigh-in for non-heavyweight fighters.

The fighters’ weight should be as follows:

• 30-day weigh-in: 30 days before the bout, the fighter’s weight should not exceed 10% of the weight limit for the bout.

• 14-day weigh-in: 14 days before the bout, the fighter’s weight should not exceed 5% of the weight limit for the bout.

• 7-day weigh-in: 7 days before the bout, the fighter’s weight should not exceed 3% of the weight limit for the bout.

Fighters, their representatives, managers, trainers, and promoters — and not the WBC MuayThai — are solely responsible for arranging the pre-bout safety weigh-ins and medical examinations/tests required by this rule. Failure to comply may result in the WBC MuayThai taking such actions as it deems appropriate, including revocation of challenger status and opportunities, or vacating a title.

If a fighter exceeds any weight limitation stated above (above an unsatisfactory amount), the WBC MuayThai may, for the safety of the fighter or their opponent, revoke or deny its sanction of the bout.

5.6) A fighter who misses championship weight on the scales is disqualified from winning a title. The fight can continue, however, if the overweight fighter is no more than 2.2 kg (5 pounds) over the championship weight division. This is for the safety of the opponent who made weight and can still win the title.

5.7) Video weigh-ins are never accepted. An accredited witness from the opposing team must be present to witness the weigh-in alongside the WBC-appointed supervisor. All parties must be in agreement for the contest to continue.

RULE 6: PAYING HOMAGE

6.1) Before the bout, every fighter should pay homage to the ancient arts and customs of MuayThai, accompanied by Thai musical instruments — a Javanese oboe, a Javanese tom-tom (drum), and a pair of small cup-shaped cymbals for rhythm.

The bout will start after paying homage, and at a minimum, both fighters should seal the ring.

The performance of the Wai Kru/Ram Muay is not religious but rather a cultural art form unique to the sport and culture of MuayThai.

RULE 7: ROUNDS

7.1) Rounds for Competition:
A professional WBC MuayThai championship bout consists of five (5) rounds of three (3) minutes each with two (2) minutes’ rest between rounds.

As per the SAT’s Boxing Board of Control, female bouts consist of five (5) rounds of two (2) minutes each with two (2) minutes’ rest between rounds, with the rest period between rounds belonging to the previous round.

WBC MuayThai professional female championship fights may be contested over three (3)-minute rounds with the agreement of the local Combat Sports Commission, both fighters’ camps, and the WBC MuayThai-appointed supervisor. This agreement must be acknowledged in writing on the WBC MuayThai rules meeting document (during the rules meeting on the day of the weigh-in), which is to be signed by all parties.

RULE 8: FIGHTER’S QUALIFICATIONS

8.1) The minimum age to compete for a WBC MuayThai professional title is 18 years old outside the Kingdom of Thailand. Under the Sports Authority of Thailand rules, through its Boxing Board of Control, the minimum age in Thailand is 16 years old, and the fighter must be fully registered in Thailand with an up-to-date boxer’s book.

8.2) Elite Thai stadium champions who are currently not ranked may qualify to compete for vacant WBC MuayThai world titles under special circumstances, as per the final ratification of the WBC MuayThai World Championship Executive Committee.

RULE 9: SECONDS

9.1) A fighter may have three (3) seconds, but only two (2) seconds are allowed into the ring during a round interval, with the chief second identified in the WBC MuayThai rules meeting.

The Seconds’ Duties:

9.2) The seconds are allowed to give verbal advice only, from a safe distance, during the fight. If they violate this rule, the referee will warn, caution, or discharge them from their duties.

9.3) During the bout, the seconds must stay in their seats. Before each round, they must clear towels, water bottles, and other materials from the ring edge.

9.4) During a round interval, the seconds must check the fighter’s gloves, shorts, or any other relevant items. If there are any problems, the chief second must notify the referee immediately to resolve them.

9.5) Seconds shall not use rude words, nor shall they physically harm the fighters during or after the bout.

9.6) Seconds must wear a corner jacket/vest, with no rude words or offensive symbols displayed.

9.7) Seconds may arrange their own material, equipment, and medical supplies at their corners as follows:

• Water

• Ice

• Towels

• Adrenaline 1/1000 solution or other substances approved by the ring doctor

• Gauze

• Cotton buds

• A pair of safety scissors

• Wound bandages

• Absorbent cotton bandages or wound soft bandages

9.8) A fighter’s chief second may seek to pull their fighter from a fight to protect their safety by stepping up onto the ring apron to gain the attention of the referee. He/she is not allowed to throw a sponge or towel into the ring. The final decision to call off a bout rests with the referee, who may consult with the ringside doctor.

RULE 10: REFEREES

10.1) Referees must wear blue or black trousers, a light green shirt or black polo shirt with the official WBC MuayThai logo on the left-hand side pocket, and lightweight boots, or a WBC-branded polo shirt. They shall not wear eyeglasses or metal ornaments. Fingernails must be neatly cut.

The Referee’s Duties

• The referee’s main priority is safeguarding and protecting fighters from undue injuries.

• The referee must always uphold rules and justice.

• The referee must closely control the bout at all times, with a duty of care for both fighters as his/her priority.

• The referee must inspect the fighters’ gloves, attire, and gum shields.

Referee Commands:

• “หยุด” (YUD): Order the fighters to stop.

• “แยก” (YAK): Order the fighters to separate. After the “แยก” command, both fighters must step back at least one step before re-engaging.

• “ชก” (CHOK): Order the fighters to fight.

The referee must give strong verbal warnings to offending fighters.

The referee shall not allow a fighter who intentionally violates rules to gain an advantage (e.g., grabbing ropes to kick or knee an opponent).

The referee shall not engage in any action that may jeopardize fairness, such as inconsistent counting, selective warnings, or other biased conduct.

At the end of each round, the referee must collect the scorecards from the three judges and hand them to the WBC MuayThai supervisor for tabulation on the scoring master sheet.

The referee shall neither criticize nor give an interview about future fights or past fight results unless given permission by the Chairman of the Ring Officials.

The Referee’s Powers

• To stop the contest when one fighter is clearly outclassing the other to the extent that there is a risk to health and safety.

• To stop the contest when a fighter is too seriously injured to continue. The referee may consult with the ring doctor for professional advice.

• To stop the contest when fighters are intentionally disrupting the bout; either fighter or both may be disqualified.

• To stop the count if continuing it would put the fighter in danger.

• To stop the count if the opponent has not gone to the furthest neutral corner before the count is finished.

• To stop the action to warn or caution a fighter or to restore fairness and enforce the rules.

• To disqualify a fighter who ignores commands, physically harms the referee, or aggressively offends the referee.

• To remove a second from duty if they disobey the referee; the referee may also disqualify the fighter whose second disobeys orders.

• To disqualify a fighter for severe rule violations, or declare the bout “no decision” after warnings or without prior warning if the offense is serious.

Counting Procedure for Fighters Outside the Ring

• If a fighter falls out of the ring from a legal strike, the referee must order the opponent to go to the furthest neutral corner and then begin counting.

• If the fighter outside the ring is too slow to return, the referee shall count to “ยีสิบ” (YISIP) or twenty (20).

• If either fighter is obstructed from returning to the ring, the referee warns the offender and continues the count. Continued disobedience results in disqualification.

• If both fighters fall out and cannot return before the count of twenty, the referee declares a draw.

• If one returns before the count of twenty, that fighter is the winner.

RULE 11: JUDGES

11.1) Judges must dress in a smart manner. They may wear eyeglasses when performing their duties.

11.2) Each judge must sit next to the ring on three sides, with no one impeding their view. During the bout, judges shall not speak with anyone. If necessary, they may speak with the WBC MuayThai-appointed supervisor during the rest interval between rounds to report incidents (e.g., misconduct by seconds, loose ropes, etc.).

11.3) Judges must score the bout objectively, with clear and independent judgment, according to the rules. They must record scores on the scorecards immediately after each round and sign them before handing them to the referee.

11.4) Judges shall not leave their seats until the ring announcer declares the official result and the referee raises the winner’s hand (or both hands in the case of a draw).

11.5) Judges shall neither criticize nor give interviews about fight results or past fight results unless given permission by the Chairman of the Ring Officials.

RULE 12: TIMEKEEPER

12.1) The timekeeper must sit beside the ring in a designated seat.

12.2) Timekeeper’s Duties:

• Keep track of the number of rounds, the fighting time for each round, the rest interval time between rounds, and any time-outs.

• Signal the beginning and end of each round by striking the bell.

• Signal five (5) seconds before the beginning of each round to clear the ring.

• Deduct interruption time or time stopped by the referee’s order.

• Always keep accurate time using a stopwatch or clock.

• Never signal the end of a round while the referee is counting, even if the round’s time has elapsed. The bell will sound when the referee orders “ชก” (CHOK) to resume action.

RULE 13: DECISIONS

13.1 Winning by Points

At the end of the bout, the following outcomes are possible:

• Unanimous Decision (UPD): All 3 judges favor the same fighter.

• Split Decision (SPD): Two judges favor one fighter, 1 judge favors the other.

• Majority Decision (MPD): Two judges favor one fighter, 1 judge scores a draw.

Winning by Knockout (KO)

If a fighter is knocked down and cannot continue after ten (10) seconds, their opponent wins by knockout.

Winning by Technical Knockout (TKO)

A fighter wins by TKO when:

• They clearly outclass their opponent or outpoint them so one-sidedly that injury risk is high.

• Their opponent cannot continue after the rest interval of a round.

• Their opponent is too injured to continue.

• Their opponent is knocked down more than twice in one round (three times total), or more than four times in the bout (five total).

• Their opponent falls out of the ring and cannot return before the count of twenty (20).

• Their opponent withdraws from the contest due to injury or other causes.

Winning by Disqualification

Occurs when the opponent is removed from the contest for rule violations.

13.2 Non-Title Contests

• If a fighter fails the physical exam, misses weight, or does not show up, the bout is declared a “No Contest.”

• In title contests, if the champion fails the physical exam, misses weight, or does not show up, the title is declared vacant.

• If the champion is overweight and loses, the challenger becomes champion.

• If the challenger is overweight, the bout is declared a no contest.

13.3 Draw Decisions

Possible draw outcomes:

• Unanimous Draw (UD): All 3 judges score it a draw.

• Majority Draw (MD): Two judges score it a draw, 1 judge picks a winner.

• Split Draw (SD): One judge scores it a draw, the other two pick different winners.

A draw also occurs when:

• Both fighters are knocked down and counted out at ten (10).

• Both fighters fall out of the ring and cannot continue.

13.4 No Decision

If either or both fighters compete dishonorably, the referee may declare “no decision.”

13.5 No Contest

If fighters intentionally spoil the fight after repeated warnings, the referee stops the bout and declares “no contest.”

13.6 Cancellation of Contest

If the ring is damaged, a riot occurs, or unforeseen circumstances make the bout impossible to continue, the referee cancels it.

13.7 Vacated Titles

If a WBC MuayThai champion fights in another professional combat sport at or under their title weight and loses by KO or TKO, their title is declared vacant.

Local Combat Sports Commission Rulings
The local commission’s rules may supersede WBC MuayThai in certain areas, particularly Rules 3, 6, and 7 regarding female bouts.

RULE 14: SCORING PROCEDURES

Scoring Criteria

Competent scoring must be based on the following:

• Effective and controlled use of fists, feet, knees, and elbows as MuayThai fighting weapons, delivered powerfully, accurately, and according to the rules.

• Powerful, effective techniques score higher than weaker or less effective strikes.

Note: All weapons are considered equal at the start of a contest, but certain techniques will outscore others in context. For example, a well-executed body kick will outscore a counter straight punch — not because punches don’t score, but because the body kick is technically more difficult and effective in that situation. Judges must understand the complexities of MuayThai scoring. 

Overall Considerations

A fighter wins a round by:

• Causing more damage with MuayThai weapons.

• Showing clear, effective aggression (damage), ring-craft skills (dominance), and defensive skills (disruption).

• Using attacking techniques with effective execution, which receives extra scoring credibility.

The Ten-Point Must System

• The round winner must receive 10 points.

• The round loser will get 9, 8, 7, or as low as 6, depending on the round’s events.

• If no clear winner, both fighters receive 10 points.

• 10–10: Given if there is no clear advantage and scoring the round either way would be unfair.

• 10–9 (Close): Slight advantage in action for one fighter.

• 10–9 (Moderate): Clear advantage but not overwhelming.

• 10–9 (Decisive): Fighter wins the round by a solid margin.

• 10–8: Knockdown plus a slight overall advantage OR an overwhelming round without a knockdown.

• 10–7: Two knockdowns in the same round (considering what happened before and after).

• 10–6: Three knockdowns in the same round. No round should be scored lower than 10–6.

Special cases:

• If Fighter B takes an eight-count but clearly wins the rest of the round, score 10–9 for Fighter A.

• If both fighters are knocked down and one wins the rest of the round, score 10–9 for that fighter.

• If both are knocked down and the round is otherwise even, score 10–10.

Judging Mindset

• At the start of each round, mentally set the score at 10–10.

• Judge only the current round — do not consider past or future rounds.

• Look for Damage, Dominance, and Disruption.

• Evaluate Effective Aggression, Ring Generalship, and Defense.

Definitions

• Clean and Effective Strikes: Punches, elbows, knees, or kicks to scoring areas with power, accuracy, and intent to cause damage, dominate, or disrupt.

• Damage: Knockdowns, staggering, or significant blows that slow an opponent’s offense.

• Domination: Overwhelming control in exchanges, consistently initiating and finishing with scoring strikes.

• Disruption: Defensive actions that force the opponent to alter or abandon their attack.

• Effective Aggression: Pressuring the opponent with accurate, forceful strikes, whether moving forward, backward, or stationary.

• Ring Generalship: Controlling the pace, positioning, and style of the fight.

• Defense: Successfully avoiding strikes while positioning to counter.

Knockdown Scoring

• One knockdown is not automatically 10–8; judges must consider the entire round.

• Two knockdowns are not automatically 10–7; context matters.

• Three knockdowns are not automatically 10–6; consider other factors before finalizing.

Clinch Scoring

Scoring in the Clinch:

1. Technique must land on target with power.

2. Technique must be effective; ineffective clinch strikes do not score.

3. Technique must not be foul or follow a foul.

General Clinch Rules:

• If scoring techniques are applied, the clinch continues.

• If both fighters use non-powerful techniques, the clinch is stopped.

• If both are working for dominant position without striking, the clinch may continue for a short period.

• If neither can achieve position, the clinch is stopped immediately.

• If one fighter gains an effective lock with no scoring possible, the clinch is stopped.

• If one fighter applies successful defense preventing further scoring, the clinch is stopped.

RULE 15: VIOLATIONS OF RULES

The following are prohibited:

• Biting, eye-poking, spitting on the opponent, headbutting, or striking to the groin.

• Back-breaking, using judo throws, and wrestling techniques.

• Intentionally grabbing the ropes to gain an advantage.

• Using provocative manners or words during the contest.

• Disobeying the referee’s orders.

• Knee strikes to the opponent’s protective cup (e.g., neck holding to knee at the protective cup, straight knee strikes at the cup, or jumping knee strikes at the cup). For these violations, the referee may allow a rest time-out of no more than five (5) minutes for the affected fighter. If the fighter cannot continue, the referee may declare them the loser or call a “no decision.”

• Catching the opponent’s leg and pushing forward more than two (2) steps without using any strike. After two warnings, the referee will caution the fighter.

• Pretending to fall after a kick when the kicking leg is caught — this is considered taking unfair advantage. After two warnings, the referee will caution the fighter.

• Delaying the action when both fighters fall out of the ring.

• Strikes to the back of the head, neck, or spine.

• Deliberate kicks to the groin.

RULE 16: KNOCKDOWNS

Definition of a Knockdown:

• A fighter falls to the canvas from a legal strike and the referee issues a mandatory 8-count.

• A fighter leans helplessly on the ropes, sits on the ropes, or is otherwise supported by the ropes after a legal strike.

• A fighter remains standing after serious blows but is unable to defend themselves.

Knockdown Procedure:

1. If a fighter is knocked down, the referee orders the opponent to go to the furthest neutral corner and begins counting.

2. If the opponent fails to comply, the referee pauses the count until compliance, then resumes from the last number counted.

3. If the knocked-down fighter rises before the count of “แปด” (PAD) or eight (8), the referee continues to count to eight before ordering “ชก” (CHOK) to resume.

4. If a fighter falls again without an additional strike being landed, the referee continues counting from the last number counted.

5. If the fighter cannot rise before the count of “สิบ” (SIP) or ten (10), they lose by knockout.

6. If both fighters fall simultaneously and cannot rise before the count of ten, the bout is declared a draw.

7. If fighters fall and become entangled, the referee stops the count, separates them, and resumes counting if one fighter remains down.

8. The referee waits one (1) second before starting the count and counts aloud with hand signals so the fighter can follow.

9. If a fighter is not ready to continue after the rest interval between rounds (except for equipment or ring issues), the referee begins a count.

Important Additional Notes:

• There are no standing 8-counts in professional MuayThai. If a standing fighter is taking excessive damage, the referee must use professional judgment to stop the contest in order to protect the health and well-being of the damaged fighter.

RULE 17: HANDSHAKES & RESPECT

Both fighters shall shake hands before the beginning of the first round and before the final round to symbolize that they will compete in the spirit of sportsmanship and in accordance with the rules.

RULE 18: RING DOCTOR

Duties of the Ring Doctor:

• Must be at a designated ringside seat throughout the contest until the final bout ends.

• Check each fighter’s physical condition before the weigh-in to ensure they are physically fit and healthy, without any prohibited disease or sickness.

• Give advice and suggestions to the referee when requested.

• Offer medical attention to fighters who may require immediate treatment.

• Perform random anti-doping tests in accordance with VADA rules and the rules of the World Boxing Council MuayThai.

RULE 19: DRUGS OR PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES

• Fighters may not use any drugs or chemical substances that are not part of their normal diet.

• Local anesthesia may only be used with the ring doctor’s approval.

• A fighter who uses a prohibited substance, or anyone providing such a substance, will be penalized by the WBC MuayThai Executive Committee.

• Fighters or officials who violate anti-doping regulations will be prohibited from competing in or participating in MuayThai activities for a period determined by the WBC MuayThai Executive Committee.

 RULE 20: CHAMPIONSHIP DEFENSES, APPEALS & RATINGS

20.1 Timing of Defenses

Champions should defend their title at least twice a year, unless otherwise authorized by the WBC MuayThai head office.

20.2 World Champions

• Must defend within eight (8) months of winning or last defending their title.

• A further 60-day grace period may be granted at the WBC MuayThai’s discretion.

• Failure to communicate a planned defense will result in the title being vacated.

• On a case-by-case scenario a world champion may get a voluntary defense allowed against a suitable top-15 ranked opponent in the same division or an adjacent division, subject to approval.

Female Ratings: Established in 2022; special consideration may be given to unrated fighters for title opportunities.

20.3 International Champions

• Must defend within ten (10) months or notify WBC MuayThai of a confirmed defense.

• Failure to do so will result in the title being vacated. 

20.4 Regional & National Champions

• Regional champions may keep their title for ten (10) months without a responsibility to defend the title. 
• Titles will be vacated after ten months if a champion does not defend their title. 

• National champions may keep the title for twelve (12) months without a responsibility to defend the title. 

• Titles will be vacated after twelve months if a champion does not defend their title. 

20.5 Champion’s Belt / Champion’s Weights

• A defending champion must bring their belt to the weigh-in and to the ring.

• If defeated, the belt is presented to the new champion for publicity and returned afterward.

• A new belt will be issued to a champion within one month of winning a title with the cost borne by the promoter of the contest. 

• Champions may only hold one WBC MuayThai title in one weight class at a time.

20.6 Championship Appeals

• Only world and international title results may be appealed through the Bangkok head office.

• Appeals must be lodged within 3 days with high-definition fight footage and a written reason.

• An admin fee of $500 applies; $300 refunded if successful.

• Decisions by the Bangkok-based 3-person review committee are final.

20.7 Inactivity of a Champion

• Titles may be vacated due to past, ongoing, or foreseeable inactivity.

• Special circumstances include medical, legal, contractual, or personal issues.

• Champions must notify the WBC immediately if they cannot defend.

20.8 Champion in Recess

• May be designated for medical reasons only.

• Status lasts a maximum of 120 days.

• Upon return, the fighter may be eligible as a mandatory challenger with written WBC approval.

20.9 WBC MuayThai Championship Unifications

• Only unification contests with recognized Thai stadium titles are allowed

20.10 WBC MuayThai World Champions Status

• Champions who fight for another organization’s world title in the same weight class and lose may have their WBC title vacated at the discretion of the executive committee.