Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, Research, Durham University, Leadership & Research Laidlaw Scholars

Research Poster: Muay Thai as Sacred Combat

Despite large quantities of research on Buddhist teachings on non-violence, little work has been done investigating how ritualised practices of violence can be morally sustained in a Buddhist society. My research examines the relationship between Muay Thai combat and Buddhist practice in Thailand.

Sep 01, 2026

Jamie Beecroft

Student, Durham University

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Jamie Beecroft

Student, Durham University

I am currently a first-year student at Durham University studying Philosophy and Politics.

My research project investigates how social spaces can be created, allowing for state-sanctioned violence to take place alongside a spiritual/religious practice preaching non-violence. To bring an original angle to this question, I will be taking the case study of Thailand, a country with Muay Thai as its national sport and Buddhism as its national religion, and with many practitioners of the former also practicing the latter.

My research topic connects with my interest in martial arts, particularly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, albeit more focused on avoiding violent conflict than Muay Thai. I also enjoy challenging myself in many other sports, such as rowing, basketball, tennis, skiing/snowboarding, and having recently started yoga (one which I find uniquely challenging). And when my body becomes too exhausted for these, I like to read, bake, and attempt to learn basic Mandarin.