I was so happy when Phuket expat Lynne Miller asked me to photograph some of the cultural sites of the local area to promote a Muay Thai boxing gym she was planning to open in Phuket.  It was not like work to spend a few days exploring the temples, waterfalls, beaches and meeting Thais living and working in Thalang. And we lived there for about 9 months after Kingston was born so I knew it was a lovely area but never fully got to look around with a newborn.

The gym’s name and training style was inspired by Sor Sumalee Gym in Ubon Ratchathani in Esaan and the gym incorporates the Muay Thai style developed and practiced in Esaan tradition over hundreds of years. Lynne is joined by her daughter Riah (see photo below) in managing the gym.

The Sumalee Boxing Gym has been open for a while now and owner Lynne tells me business is going well. The location is proving to be a big draw card for boxers who want to experience local culture with some of the best trainers on the island. Most of the boxing gyms are located in the South of the island so the touristy aspect of Phuket is a daily part of life. But Thalang, in the North and not too far from the airport,  is not much of a touristy area at all. I don’t know why because you can see in the photos below that there are some stunning sites ~ photography by Gina.