Sumalee Boxing Gym
Phuket, Kamala | Muay Thai • Fitness • Yoga
Quick Facts
Overview
Sumalee Boxing Gym, founded in 2011 by Dr. Lynne Miller, has quickly become one of Phuket's leading Muay Thai, yoga, and fitness training facilities. Located in Kamala with western standards of service, accommodation, facilities, and food, Sumalee offers a more inclusive and welcoming atmosphere than many traditional camps, particularly for women. With experienced trainers led by Khru Keng, 15 ensuite AC rooms, and the innovative 'Sumalee Suites' concept, this gym attracts students seeking quality training in a supportive, well-managed environment.
What Makes Sumalee Boxing Gym Special
- ✓Founded and run by Dr. Lynne Miller - woman-led gym rare in Muay Thai
- ✓Khru Keng heads trainers - former Chonburi Champion, Channel 7 award winner
- ✓Exceptional reviews: 207 of 209 ratings are 5 stars
- ✓Western standards of service while maintaining authentic Thai training
- ✓15 ensuite AC rooms + innovative Sumalee Suites
- ✓Personalized attention regardless of skill level
- ✓Welcoming atmosphere, especially for women and families
- ✓Combination of Muay Thai and yoga programs
History: Founded in 2011 by Dr. Lynne Miller, Sumalee was created to provide high-quality Muay Thai training with Western standards of service, filling a gap in Phuket's market. The gym has grown into one of Thailand's leading facilities while maintaining its welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. Sumalee's success comes from balancing authentic Thai training with professional management and genuine care for student development.
Who Trains Here: Diverse international community with strong female representation. Mix of beginners, fitness enthusiasts, families, and dedicated hobbyists. Age range from teens to 50s. Popular with long-term students (1-3 months). Less intimidating than hardcore fighter camps while maintaining training quality.
Head Trainer & Credentials ⭐
Khru Keng
Credentials: 30 years old from Surin Province, started training at age 9, former Chonburi Province Champion, Channel 7 award winner for best technique
Specialties:
Notable Students: Trains wide range from complete beginners to active fighters
Senior Trainers
Senior Training Team
Experienced Thai trainers with professional fight backgrounds
Specialties: Traditional Muay Thai, Pad work, Clinch training, Beginner-friendly instruction
Khru Ruune
Active fighter on staff
Specialties: Contemporary techniques, Active competition experience, Fighter mentality
Yoga & Fitness Instructors
Certified professionals
Specialties: Yoga, Flexibility, Recovery, Complementary training
Training Programs & Schedule ⭐
Daily Schedule
Morning: 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Morning session - Muay Thai training
Afternoon: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Afternoon session - main training time
Evening: Yoga classes available at select times
Program Types
Beginner Program
Extremely beginner-friendly - one of the most welcoming camps in Phuket. Trainers provide personalized attention regardless of skill level. Many students are first-timers. Patient instruction with clear communication. Popular with women new to Muay Thai.
Intermediate Program
Training intensity increases as skill develops. Good technical refinement. Can train morning and afternoon sessions. Balance of challenge and support.
Pro Fighter Program
Not primary focus, but fighters welcomed. More emphasis on quality training for hobbyists and fitness than elite fighter development.
Class Structure: Moderate group sizes with personalized attention. Format: warm-up, shadow boxing, pad work with trainers, bag work, clinch training, conditioning. Trainers adapt to individual skill levels within group setting.
Private Training: Available. Available - contact gym for current private session rates
Special Programs: Women-focused training programs, Yoga and flexibility classes, Fitness Muay Thai (non-fighting emphasis), Family-friendly programs, Training + accommodation packages, Long-term student programs
Price Breakdown ⭐
Drop-in
500 THB (~$15 USD) single session
Weekly
Contact for weekly rates
Monthly
12,000 THB (~$360 USD)
3-Month Package
Contact for long-term discounts
6-Month Package
Negotiable rates
What's Included
- ✓Training sessions
- ✓Pad work with qualified trainers
- ✓Access to facilities
- ✓Wraps
- ✓Drinking water
- ✓Personalized attention
What Costs Extra
- +Accommodation (15 ensuite rooms available)
- +Gloves and equipment
- +Private training
- +Meals
- +Yoga classes (may be separate)
- +Massage and wellness services
Accommodation & Living Options ⭐
On-Site Accommodation
Room Types: 15 ensuite AC rooms, Sumalee Suites (new concept)
Pricing: Contact gym for accommodation rates and training + accommodation packages
Amenities:
Nearby Accommodation
Kamala has range of accommodation from budget guesthouses to beachfront resorts. Beach location means more tourism infrastructure. Many options within 5-10 minutes.
Price Range: 8,000-18,000 THB/month for apartments, 20,000-40,000+ THB for beach-view accommodations, 400-1,500 THB/night for hotels
Food & Dining Quality ⭐
Nearby Dining
Kamala has excellent food scene - beachfront restaurants, local Thai eateries, Western cafes, and healthy food options. Mix of tourist and local dining. Good variety for all budgets.
Price Range: 80-150 THB for local Thai, 150-400 THB for restaurants and cafes, 250-500 THB for beachfront dining
Healthy Options: Yes, widely available
Location & Nightlife Access
Address: Kamala, Phuket
Beach
Close to Kamala Beach - beautiful swimming and sunset beach
Nightlife
5-10 minutes to Kamala bars/restaurants, 15 minutes to Patong nightlife
Restaurants
Walking distance to numerous Kamala restaurants
Transportation
Area Vibe
Kamala is mid-size beach town - less hectic than Patong, more developed than Rawai. Good balance of beach lifestyle and conveniences. Popular with families and long-stay visitors. Beautiful beach, good restaurants, relaxed vibe. More expensive than Chalong but excellent beach location.
What Reddit Says 💬
Most Mentioned Pros
- ✓Exceptional reviews - 207 of 209 five-star ratings
- ✓Very welcoming to women and beginners
- ✓High-quality trainers who provide personalized attention
- ✓Western standards of service and cleanliness
- ✓Great location near beautiful Kamala Beach
- ✓Professional management and organization
- ✓Supportive, non-intimidating atmosphere
- ✓Quality accommodation on-site
Most Mentioned Cons
- −More expensive than budget gyms
- −Not focused on elite fighter development
- −Beach location means higher cost of living
- −May lack intensity of hardcore fighter camps
- −Smaller facility than mega-gyms
Common Themes
- • One of the most welcoming gyms in Phuket
- • Excellent for women and beginners
- • Quality training without intimidation
- • Professional, well-run operation
- • Beach location is major advantage
- • Trainers genuinely care about students
Direct Quotes
"Guests consistently highlight the exceptional quality of trainers who provide personalized attention regardless of skill level."
"Best Muay Thai gym in Phuket - trainers, facilities, food, and welcoming atmosphere for all skill levels."
"As a woman training Muay Thai, Sumalee was perfect. Felt welcomed and supported from day one."
"The accommodation at Sumalee is the best Muay Thai accommodation in Phuket - clean, comfortable, and convenient."
"Khru Keng runs a tight ship but is knowledgeable and fun. Great balance of discipline and enjoyment."
⭐ Standout Praise
- • Welcoming atmosphere for all
- • High-quality personalized training
- • Professional management
- • Excellent accommodation
- • Beautiful beach location
- • Particularly good for women
Last Updated: November 2025
Sources: r/MuayThai, r/Thailand, r/digitalnomad
Best For & Bottom Line
✓ Perfect For
- • Women seeking welcoming, supportive environment
- • Beginners wanting non-intimidating introduction
- • Families (good for training with kids)
- • Students wanting Western standards with Thai authenticity
- • Beach lovers - Kamala is beautiful
- • Those seeking balance of training and beach lifestyle
- • Students wanting quality accommodation on-site
- • People who value professional management and organization
✗ Not Ideal For
- • Elite fighters seeking hardcore training
- • Budget travelers (premium pricing)
- • Those wanting pure fighter camp atmosphere
- • Students seeking Fitness Street convenience
- • People who prioritize low costs over quality
- • Those wanting mega-gym variety and crowds
- • Students needing MMA or BJJ training
Overall Value Assessment
Good to excellent value for the quality and experience. At 12,000 THB/month, Sumalee is mid-to-upper pricing but offers exceptional training quality, professional management, and welcoming atmosphere. The 207/209 five-star ratings demonstrate consistent quality delivery. Beach location and Western standards justify premium over budget gyms. Particularly excellent value for women, beginners, and those wanting quality training in professional environment. Not cheapest option but quality-to-price ratio is strong.