James, I will attempt an answer. I suspect that generally westerners see sports rules in many sports as one might view a legal document, with every possible scenario covered and with sports players breaking the rules where they are not written carefully enough. My experience of Muay Thai rules is that they seem more to do with the spirit of the sport rather than the letter of the law - just a personal observation though.

Given the way that Muay Thai rules are written they do not appear to be interpreted in the way rules might be in some other western sports. For example, violations of the rules are written in very loose terms in the rules with fouls including "...throwing, back beaking, locking the opponent’s arms, using Judo and wrestling techniques". I you watch fights in Thailand you will clearly see that there are throwing technique used regularly as well as techniques that are very close to Greco-Roman wrestling techniques being applied without any warning. While the rules are not that clear in this regard those who know Muay Thai understand which throws are allowed and which are not. As I said previously, a number of sports apply normative or unwritten rules, and Muay Thai is no exception. You can argue that this situation offends your or others western sensibilities and logic and that is fine, but that is the reality of the situation.

Kevin, there are certainly issues with officials commenting on decisions. I am not sure it is usual practice and is probably rightly frowned upon in many quarters. I do think the context in which this might happen is important though. Personally I feel it is acceptable in a case where there may be wide misunderstanding and the comments are made in an attempt to educate. I was originally drawn into this particular debate after the promoter asked me to review the fight and give my opinion. I thought some may feel my opinion might be biased given I am from England, so I also asked a Thai judge to look at the fight and give me his verdict.

My posts are intended help people understand decisions rather than inflame a situation or polarise sides in a disputed decision. I also hope whatever individuals think of decisions that judges here make they realise they have the best intentions and are as fair as possible.