Grading in MT is a good thing for kids and people who arent interested in fighting. It keeps the kids focused and aiming towards the next grading. opens them to the culture and history behind Thaiboxing and includes people who enjoy the training but for whatever reason dont want to fight.

It is not worthwhile for anyone who wants to fight seriously though as it doesnt add anything to your your goal of imroving and developing as a fighter.

As for how much it matters in Thailand?? Well im not entirely sure it has any place in most gyms. I know Master Toddy does some sort of grading in his gym but again that is for non-fighters or kids. Thai Gov may well recognise an MT grading system, but they also recognise the Thai Anti Corruption Commission and everybody knows how busy they are ;)

But any full grown man who parades around with their grading armlet on during training needs a good beating!!