Playing Makruk or Thai Chess

Thai people across the entire social stratum have been familiar with the popular game of Thai chess since the Ayutthaya Period.

The game requires a 'wooden' chessboard divided into eight vertical and horizontal columns producing 64 squares upon which opponents amass Thai chess pieces arranged according to their positions and importance. Pieces include Khun (King, Met (Queen), Khon (Bishop), Horse (Knight), Boat (Castle) and Bia (Pawns).

Each Thai chess piece is restricted to its own discrete moves on the board, similar to Western chess. For example, Khun may move in all directions while Met may only move diagonally. Boat may go in a vertical and horizontal direction.

In the Thai language the game of Thai chess is known as Mak Ruk and a game ends if the Khun is trapped by any piece that produces a Ruk or checkmate.

Chess pieces are made from materials indicating the social status of players. In the old days, upper-class people usually played with ivory chess pieces while others made from wood.

Today, Thai chess is still popular and games are played at all times and in many places regardless of age and gender, or social status. Always challenging is for each side to strive to outwit the other by employing tactical moves towards a swift end.