Master Toddy's Muay Thai
Bangkok, Prakanong (Bearing BTS) | Muay Thai • Boxing
Quick Facts
Overview
Master Toddy's Muay Thai is a legendary Bangkok gym founded by Thohsaphol Sitiwatjana (Master Toddy), who has over 50 years of experience and has trained 50+ world champions. Located near Bearing BTS in Prakanong, this gym emphasizes traditional Muay Thai technique and proper form development. Master Toddy pioneered bringing authentic Muay Thai training to the West and now offers his expertise in Bangkok for serious students seeking traditional, quality instruction.
What Makes Master Toddy's Muay Thai Special
- ✓Master Toddy personally involved (50+ years experience, trained 50+ world champions)
- ✓All Ajarns have over 300 professional fights
- ✓Traditional Thai training methodology with modern facilities
- ✓On-site accommodation available for students
- ✓Government-recognized certification programs
- ✓Education visa options for long-term training
History: Master Toddy began training at age 4 and started teaching at 16. After establishing Muay Thai in the UK and Europe, he returned to Thailand in 2009 to create Master Toddy's Muay Thai Academy in Bangkok. The gym is officially recognized by the Thai government for its contributions to Muay Thai and operates under the Muay Thai International Association (MTIA), which Master Toddy founded to standardize Muay Thai instruction worldwide.
Who Trains Here: Mix of serious long-term foreign students, fighters seeking traditional training, and dedicated hobbyists. Less touristy than Sukhumvit gyms. Many students stay for months or years working toward instructor certifications or fight experience.
Head Trainer & Credentials ⭐
Master Toddy (Thohsaphol Sitiwatjana)
Credentials: Over 50 years teaching experience, Founder of Muay Thai International Association (MTIA), Government-recognized Muay Thai Master
Fight Record: Started fighting at age 4, competed extensively in Bangkok street fights and temple fights as youth
Specialties:
Notable Students: 50+ world champions trained over 5 decades, Multiple European and UK champions, Numerous certified instructors worldwide
Senior Trainers
Head Ajarns (Names vary)
All senior trainers have 300+ professional fights
Specialties: Traditional pad work, Clinch training, Technical refinement, Fighter development
Junior Trainers
Active or retired stadium fighters
Specialties: Beginner instruction, Conditioning, Bag work supervision
Training Programs & Schedule ⭐
Daily Schedule
Morning: 8:00 AM - 9:45 AM: Warm-up, pad work, bag work, clinching, technique drills
Afternoon: 4:00 PM - 5:45 PM: Full training session (usually larger attendance), pad work with senior trainers
Program Types
Beginner Program
Fundamentals program focusing on stance, basic strikes, footwork, and defense. Master Toddy emphasizes proper form from day one. Separate beginner attention ensures foundation is solid. 2-hour fundamentals courses available for complete novices.
Intermediate Program
Integration into regular training with more experienced students. Increased focus on combinations, clinch work, timing, and controlled sparring. Technical refinement emphasized over power.
Pro Fighter Program
Fight preparation program with 2 sessions daily, extensive pad work with senior Ajarns, sparring, clinch training, and conditioning. Fight opportunities can be arranged for qualified students. Path to MTIA instructor certification available.
Class Structure: Small group training (typically 10-15 students per session) ensuring individual attention. Traditional format: running/warm-up, shadow boxing, pad work rounds with trainers, bag work, clinch training, technique drills, cool down. Emphasis on quality over quantity.
Private Training: Available. 2,000 THB for 2-hour private session (includes government-issued certificate)
Special Programs: MTIA Instructor Certification courses, Education Visa program (train legally for 1 year), 2-hour Muay Thai Fundamentals Course for beginners, Long-term fighter development programs, Private training packages
Price Breakdown ⭐
Drop-in
800 THB
Weekly
Not typically offered (contact gym)
Monthly
12,000 THB
3-Month Package
30,000 THB (approx)
6-Month Package
Contact gym for long-term rates
What's Included
- ✓Training sessions
- ✓Wraps
- ✓Basic equipment use
- ✓Gym access
- ✓Drinking water
What Costs Extra
- +Gloves and shin guards (available for purchase, ~300-500 THB for wraps)
- +Private training (2,000 THB per 2 hours)
- +Accommodation (if staying on-site)
- +Fight arrangements and cornering
- +Massage and physiotherapy
- +MTIA certification courses (additional fees)
Accommodation & Living Options ⭐
On-Site Accommodation
Room Types: Private rooms with en-suite bathroom, Shared rooms available
Pricing: Varies by room type - contact gym directly. Training + accommodation packages available (~30,000-40,000 THB/month inclusive)
Amenities:
Nearby Accommodation
Bearing/Prakanong area has numerous condos and apartments within walking distance. Area is residential and local (not touristy). Gym can provide recommendations.
Price Range: 6,000-12,000 THB/month for basic studio, 10,000-18,000 THB for nicer one-bedroom near BTS
Food & Dining Quality ⭐
Nearby Dining
Bearing/Prakanong is a local Thai neighborhood with excellent street food, local restaurants, and food courts. Not many Western options but authentic and affordable Thai food everywhere. Several 7-Elevens nearby. Imperial World Shopping Mall within reach.
Price Range: 40-100 THB per meal at local spots, 150-250 THB for nicer restaurants
Healthy Options: Yes, widely available
Location & Nightlife Access
Address: Near Bearing BTS station, Prakanong, Bangkok (exact address available on website)
Nightlife
25-35 minutes to Thonglor/Ekkamai nightlife by BTS, 30-40 minutes to Sukhumvit central areas
Restaurants
Walking distance to dozens of local Thai restaurants and street food vendors
Transportation
Area Vibe
Residential Bangkok neighborhood, very local and authentic. Not touristy at all. Safe, affordable, and quiet. Good for students who want to focus on training without tourist distractions. Less convenient than central Sukhumvit but much more affordable and authentic.
What Reddit Says 💬
Most Mentioned Pros
- ✓Excellent technical instruction with focus on proper form
- ✓Small class sizes mean good individual attention
- ✓Traditional training methodology from legendary instructor
- ✓On-site accommodation is clean and comfortable
- ✓Good for long-term training and education visas
- ✓Much more affordable area than central Bangkok
- ✓All trainers have extensive fight experience (300+ fights)
Most Mentioned Cons
- −Master Toddy not always present (travels internationally)
- −Location far from tourist areas (last stop on BTS)
- −No air conditioning in training area (traditional open-air setup)
- −Less English spoken in neighborhood outside gym
- −No on-site restaurant/meal service
- −Some reports of communication/administrative issues
- −Can feel isolated if you prefer city center energy
Common Themes
- • Quality of instruction praised consistently
- • Location is trade-off: authentic but far from tourist areas
- • Best for serious students, not casual tourists
- • Accommodation quality better than expected
- • Traditional methodology means emphasis on technique over intensity
- • Good value but requires commitment to residential area
Direct Quotes
"The trainers are excellent and totally focused on techniques of Muay Thai rather than just burning you out. Perfect if you want to learn properly."
"Stayed for 1.5 years and absolutely loved it. The coaches have different specialties and you get to experience all of them."
"Bearing is the last station on the BTS which makes it a bit of a trek, but the training quality and accommodation made it worth it."
"No air conditioning where the ring is can be tough for western bodies in the heat, but it's traditional Thai style."
"One of the best gyms I've trained at. Top notch trainers and great value for money with private lessons."
⚠️ Red Flags Mentioned
- • One reviewer reported significant visa/refund issues during COVID with poor communication
- • Master Toddy personally may not be present regularly - verify before booking if training with him is your goal
- • Far location can feel isolating for some students
⭐ Standout Praise
- • Technical quality of instruction
- • Small class sizes with individual attention
- • Clean, comfortable accommodation
- • Traditional authentic training methodology
- • Good value for long-term training
Last Updated: November 2025
Sources: r/MuayThai, r/Thailand, r/digitalnomad
Best For & Bottom Line
✓ Perfect For
- • Serious students wanting traditional Thai training methodology
- • Long-term trainees (3+ months) seeking affordable Bangkok option
- • Students interested in instructor certification (MTIA programs)
- • Those seeking education visa for extended Thailand stay
- • Technique-focused practitioners who value proper form
- • People who prefer quiet residential area over tourist zones
- • Budget-conscious students wanting quality instruction
✗ Not Ideal For
- • Tourists wanting convenient Sukhumvit location
- • People who need air-conditioned training space
- • Those expecting to train directly with Master Toddy daily
- • Students who prefer high-energy, intensity-focused training
- • People wanting lots of nightlife/Western restaurant access
- • Short-term visitors (under 2 weeks) due to location
- • Those needing extensive hand-holding and beginner coddling
Overall Value Assessment
Very good value, especially for long-term students. The monthly rate of 12,000 THB is standard for Bangkok, but the quality of technical instruction and small class sizes make it excellent value. Training + accommodation packages are competitive. Location in affordable Prakanong area means lower living costs overall. Private sessions at 2,000 THB for 2 hours (with certificate) are reasonable. Best value for students staying 1+ months who prioritize technique over location.