The History of Outdoor Climbing in Thailand

“Land of the Smiles” or Thailand, is recognized for its rich heritage, unique cuisine, and alluring landscape.   

Thailand’s rise as a global rock-climbing destination took decades of transformation.  From once a niche activity introduced by traveling Europeans in the 1980s to now, a reputable adventure tourism destination drawing enthusiasts from around the globe.  

The Early days (Late 1980s to Early 1990s)

Rock Climbing in Thailand began in the late 1980s when a pair of Swiss-French climbers bolted the very first route on Koh Phi Phi.  Shortly after, areas like Railay and Ton Sai quickly emerged as hotspots.   It was during this time the earlier pioneers such as Todd Skinners, Sam Lightner Jr, Somporn Suebhait, and Trevor Messiah (among many others) began laying the groundwork for the climbing development in Southern Thailand.   

By the early 1990s, climbing in Thailand was gaining traction. Word spread through guidebooks, magazines, and climbing networks, attracting climbers of all levels.  It was during this period of discovery when route developers began to recognize a special and unique set of challenges that lies inherently with the Karst Limestone among Thai cliffs, especially in the southern provinces.  The routes established during this time showcased the creativity and technical skills of climbers, with routes such as “Lord of the Thais” and “Humanality”,  appearing on ticklist of many visiting climbers.  

Growth, Development, and Challenge:  Late 1990s to 2000s

As climbing grew in popularity, so did the need for sustainable practices.  The Sport Climbing on Karst Limestone which many love poses unique challenges in the tropical environment of Thailand - including corrosions of steel bolts which impact the safety of climbers.  Thus, a massive re-bolting project, “Thaitanium”, spearheaded by Josh Lyons, was founded.

Through massive and enduring effort by both local and visiting climbers, Titanium became the solution against steel corrosion, and many climbing routes in the South were restored through passion and hard work of volunteers from both locals and visitors.  

It is also during this time more players from different region start emerging and taking active role in pioneering new climbing areas.  Joshua and Kat Morris found a guiding outfit, CMRCA, and began developing a new crag known today as “Crazy Horse Buttress” in Chiang Mai.  Ben Grasser, Richard Eden, Jim Waugh, Joy Sirilak, and Kraisak Tomas, all began developing areas surrounding Bangkok such as Khao Yoi, Muak Lek, Nam Pha Pa Yai camp, and Khao Jin Lae. 

Gradually, climbing communities in different regions of Thailand began taking shape as more routes were added.  

Commercialization, Popularity: The 2010s and beyond.

As climbing’s popularity grew, so did the need for sustainable practices. This period experienced the explosion of new climbers, mostly out of Central Thailand (Bangkok) through commercialized climbing gyms.   

Based out of Bangkok, Pleum Chenaphun founded a (Spelling?) climbing club comprised of Thais and expats known as TMSC (Thailand Mountain Sport Club) during the mid 2010s.  The club went on to focus on many bolting and rebolting projects and worked with various climbing clubs across Thailand.  By 2021, the club officially registered as TCDA (Thailand Climbing Development Association) with various sponsors and members up to 200.  It is also during this period we saw additional climbing development in Kanchanaburi by The Sittipol Brothers, and the North Eastern (Isan) region by Khon Kaen Climbing Club.

Today, Thailand remains a world-class climbing destination, with thousands of routes spread across the country. The Krabi province remain iconic, but other areas like Chiang Mai, Lopburi, Khon Kaen, and Kanchanaburi offer diverse climbing experiences. The climbing community has grown, with a mix of local and international climbers contributing to the vibrant scene.