Tiger Eye: A Muay Thai and MMA Gym in Bangkok

Tiger Eye is a Muay Thai and MMA gym in Ari, Bangkok, built by people who wanted somewhere they would actually want to train. We’re serious about the martial arts and a lot more relaxed about everything else.

Train Muay Thai in Bangkok

Tiger Eye is located in Ari, just five minutes from BTS Ari, and sits on just under a rai of land, making it one of the largest gyms in central Bangkok. It’s an open-air training space surrounded by permaculture gardens, where what we grow will end up in our on-site café.

Under one roof, you can train Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Western Boxing, Kickboxing, and MMA, along with women’s-only classes led by female coaches and one of the few dedicated Kids MMA programs in Bangkok.

We believe training shapes character as much as it shapes the body, and that runs through how we coach. We focus on real coaching and personal attention in a clean, professional space, a premium alternative to the crowded, traditional Muay Thai gym.

That draws a wide mix of people, from digital nomads and travellers to families and serious martial artists. We’re also still growing, with on-site accommodation for long-term fighters currently in development.

Bashir Ahmad, ONE Championship veteran and founder of Tiger Eye MMA Bangkok

The Story of Tiger Eye

Tiger Eye’s story starts with its founder. Before he ever ran a gym, Bashir Ahmad served as a combat medic with the U.S. Army in Iraq, fought professionally for ONE Championship, and went on to become an executive at the organization.

Back home in Pakistan, he is the person usually credited with bringing mixed martial arts to the country, and people there tend to call him the “Godfather of MMA”.

He founded Shaheen Academy, an NGO that grows martial arts in Pakistan, work that TIME and CNN have both covered, and he holds a bachelor’s degree in Global Affairs and a master’s in Exercise Science.

Milestones

Feb 2018

Bashir and Niran Wisetsang officially registered Tiger Eye as a company in Thailand, with plans for something much bigger.

Mar 2022

Bashir began teaching martial arts classes in Bangkok. What started with a handful of students quickly outgrew the space.

Apr 2024

Tiger Eye MMA opened its doors in Ari, with Niran and Panop “Note” Udomkaewkanjana alongside Bashir.

Jul 2024

Thailand launched the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), and Tiger Eye was among the first gyms to support applicants.

Apr 2025

One of our first fighters stepped into the ring at Rajadamnern Stadium.

Aug 2025

The grounds expanded with a hangout area and a permaculture garden, where we now grow our own food.

Jun 2026

Tiger Eye hosted its first fight event at the gym.

Oct 2026

Work began on a bigger training facility with on-site dorms for long-term fighters. To be continued.

The Team

The people you’ll actually deal with, on the mats and off them.

1–3 / 9

Bashir Ahmad

Founder and Head Coach

ONE Championship athlete and executive. Bashir leads the fight team and helps teach BJJ and the kids program.

Kru Ae

Muay Thai Coach

Kru Ae brings the energy to every Muay Thai session. A veteran of well over 200 fights with international boxing experience, he prepares our fighters and anyone looking to take their Muay Thai to the next level.

Kru Sarn

Muay Thai Coach

One of our full-time Muay Thai coaches, Kru Sarn has been teaching beginners and intermediate students for nearly 30 years. He’s easy-going and great to work with.

Kru Moo

Muay Thai Coach

An SAT-licensed coach with over 10 years of international teaching experience. Kru Moo speaks great English, welcomes all levels, and teaches the weekday women’s classes.

Alexys

DTV Consultant

Alexys handles the DTV process for all our applicants, from the first consultation to preparing the paperwork. Half Thai, half Finnish, with a dual degree in business and law, Alexys can guide you through every step.

View

Operations and Memberships

View is the backbone of everything behind the scenes, from memberships and guest check-ins to keeping the class flow running smoothly.

Markus

Front Desk

Markus runs the front desk and helps keep classes organized. With perfect English, he’s also the person to ask about Bangkok and life in Thailand.

Haseen

Memberships and Gym Maintenance

Haseen has been with Tiger Eye since we started building the gym. From fighting for the gym to handling memberships and maintenance, he can help you with anything around Tiger Eye.

Khun Gop

Team Cook and Housekeeping

Khun Gop looks after the whole team, keeping the grounds clean and tidy and cooking the team’s meals. You’ll find her on site every day with a smile and plenty of energy.

Why You Should Choose Tiger Eye

Training Built Around You

You’re not limited to Muay Thai. You can also train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, kickboxing, and MMA, with sessions tailored to your level and goals rather than generic group drills. Kids, parents, first-timers and professionals all share the same space here.

Train in the Heart of Bangkok

Our gym is located in Ari, one of central Bangkok’s most liveable neighbourhoods, just five minutes from BTS Ari. You’re surrounded by cafés, coworking spaces, and easy transport, with the rest of the city within reach.

Classes Beyond Fighting

Thai language lessons, traditional cooking classes and music sessions all run alongside the training timetable. It isn’t the usual fight camp schedule, and that’s on purpose. Most people who come here are building a life in Bangkok, not just a fight record.

A Garden, a Few Chickens, and a Café

Permaculture beds wrap around the training areas, and yes, there are chickens. A café is going up on the property, serving good, healthy food with a fair share of the ingredients walked over from our own garden.

Here for the Long Run

Since 2024, we’ve also helped students who want to train with us long-term get their Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). Tiger Eye was among the first gyms in Thailand to support DTV applicants, and since then we’ve helped more than 800 people through the process, with a 96% approval rate. If you’re considering it, everything you need to know is on our Muay Thai DTV Visa page.

Learn About the DTV Visa

Come Train With Us

Whether you’re a fighter preparing to compete or a complete beginner heading to your first class, everyone is welcome at Tiger Eye. Send us a message and we’ll gladly invite you in for a class!

Contact details

Phone: (+66)992 595 988

Email: yourtigereye@gmail.com

Address: 172 Soi Charoen Porn 1, Ari, Bangkok

Working hours: 7 AM – 8 PM, Monday – Friday | 9 AM – 12 PM, Saturdays & Sundays

DTV visa enquiries

Phone / WhatsApp: (+66)975 311 360

Email: support@tigereyevisaservice.com

      Excellent rating  
 Based on 360 reviews 
    
  
 
 
      Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nice and helpful Coach
Friendly Staff
I came here as a beginner
     
   Yanisa Supapong (Titleys) 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing experience! It was my first Muay Thai session, and I was very well guided throughout the whole session. The coaches gave great advice, provided excellent guidance, and created a really positive atmosphere.

I highly recommend this gym 100%, whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced practitioner. Great place to learn, improve, and enjoy Muay Thai!
     
   Martin Engel 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. best coach in the world !!
     
   Colin Girard 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great Muay Thai gym! The coaches are friendly, professional and really take the time to help you improve your technique. The training is challenging but always enjoyable with a great atmosphere. Highly recommended whether you’re a beginner or already experienced!
     
   Johan D. 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been training at Tiger Eye for almost a month now and I’m really happy I found this place.

Everyone is super friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere makes you feel comfortable very quickly. The trainers are all really nice, patient and motivating, and you can tell they genuinely want you to improve. The classes are fun, intense, and you learn a lot every time.

I get along really well with Marcus, who always knows how to motivate me and push me during training, but honestly all the trainers bring really good energy and encouragement.

What I also really like is the atmosphere between everyone. It’s easy to talk, laugh, train hard and just enjoy being there.

I always have a good time when I come to train and I would definitely recommend Tiger Eye to anyone who wants to learn Muay Thai in a friendly and motivating place.
     
   Liam Fabiano 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a great experience at Tiger Eye Muay Thai.

The atmosphere is friendly and motivating, and the classes are well structured for beginners and experienced fighters alike.

The whole coaching team is excellent: Marcus and the other coaches are passionate and patient, and they explain things really well. They pay attention to every technical detail and push everyone to improve at their own pace.

I leave every session exhausted but smiling. Thanks to the whole team !
     
   Jason Fabiano