13 Coins Gym
Bangkok, Suanluang (Rama IX Soi 57) | Muay Thai • MMA • Boxing • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu • Grappling
Quick Facts
Overview
13 Coins Gym is a boutique multi-discipline training facility in the Rama IX area of Bangkok, offering Muay Thai, MMA, Boxing, and BJJ in an intimate, personalized environment. With smaller class sizes than mega-gyms, 13 Coins provides focused attention from experienced trainers including connections to legends like Saenchai (who Sorn, the head trainer, has trained alongside). The gym features three rings, an MMA cage, and comprehensive facilities. All-inclusive packages with accommodation make it convenient for foreign students seeking immersive training.
What Makes 13 Coins Gym Special
- ✓Small class sizes ensure personal attention
- ✓Head trainer Sorn trained with Saenchai and John Wayne Parr
- ✓Three full-size rings and MMA cage on-site
- ✓Multi-discipline training (MT, Boxing, MMA, BJJ)
- ✓On-site accommodation available
- ✓Training + accommodation packages (30,000 THB/month)
- ✓Brandon Kesler (experienced MMA instructor) on staff
- ✓Intimate gym atmosphere vs. large commercial facilities
History: 13 Coins Gym established itself as a quality boutique gym focusing on personalized instruction rather than volume. While not having the decades of history like Petchyindee or Yokkao, 13 Coins built reputation through quality trainers (including Sorn who holds pads for champions) and comprehensive facilities. The gym attracts students wanting small-group attention and multi-discipline access without the crowds of larger Bangkok gyms.
Who Trains Here: Mix of serious international students, MMA enthusiasts, and dedicated hobbyists. Smaller student body means close-knit community. Students range from beginners to intermediate, with some competitive fighters. Good for people who want personal attention without getting lost in crowd.
Head Trainer & Credentials ⭐
Sorn (Sakat Ponthawi)
Credentials: Head Muay Thai trainer, over 63 professional fights, 15+ years teaching experience
Fight Record: 63 Muay Thai fights, trained alongside Saenchai and held pads for John Wayne Parr
Specialties:
Notable Students: Trains serious international fighters, Known for technical pad work
Senior Trainers
Brandon Kesler
Head MMA instructor with extensive grappling and striking experience
Specialties: Mixed martial arts, Western boxing, Grappling, MMA strategy
Mr. Long
Muay Thai and Western boxing trainer
Specialties: Boxing fundamentals, Muay Thai technique, Conditioning
Juke & Toto
Muay Thai trainers with professional fight experience
Specialties: Traditional Muay Thai, Pad work, Beginner instruction
Training Programs & Schedule ⭐
Daily Schedule
Morning: 5:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Morning training - running, technique, pad work, bags
Afternoon: Open training/private sessions available
Evening: 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Evening session - full training schedule
Program Types
Beginner Program
Beginner-friendly with small class sizes meaning lots of attention. Trainers adapt to your level and provide clear instruction. Good for first-timers who want personalized guidance without intimidation of huge classes.
Intermediate Program
Integration into all training with more advanced techniques, sparring, and cross-training opportunities. Can focus on Muay Thai, MMA, or multiple disciplines.
Pro Fighter Program
Fighter preparation available with experienced trainers. Not a huge fighter stable like Petchyindee, but serious preparation is available for students wanting to compete. MMA competition preparation a specialty.
Class Structure: Small group training (typically 5-15 students) ensures personal attention. Traditional format for Muay Thai: warm-up, shadow boxing, pad work rotation, bags, clinch, conditioning. MMA and BJJ classes are structured separately. Intimate atmosphere with accessible trainers.
Private Training: Available. 600 THB per hour for private sessions
Special Programs: Training + accommodation packages (30,000 THB/month with 2 meals), MMA competition preparation, Multi-discipline training programs, Long-term fighter development, Beginner introduction programs
Price Breakdown ⭐
Drop-in
300 THB (single session) or 500 THB (2 sessions - morning and evening)
Weekly
2,500 THB
Monthly
9,000 THB
3-Month Package
Contact for long-term rates
6-Month Package
Long-term discounts available
What's Included
- ✓Unlimited training sessions
- ✓Access to all equipment (3 rings, cage, bags)
- ✓Pad work with experienced trainers
- ✓Small group instruction
- ✓Drinking water
- ✓Treadmills and cardio equipment
What Costs Extra
- +Accommodation (if not in package) - available on-site
- +Training + accommodation package: 30,000 THB/month with morning and evening sessions + 2 meals
- +Gloves and equipment (rent or buy)
- +Private training (600 THB/hour)
- +Additional meals beyond package
Accommodation & Living Options ⭐
On-Site Accommodation
Room Types: Basic rooms for students
Pricing: Training + accommodation package: 30,000 THB/month (includes morning and evening training + 2 meals/day)
Amenities:
Nearby Accommodation
Rama IX area (Suanluang) has apartments and condos available. More local area, not heavily touristed.
Price Range: 7,000-14,000 THB/month for studio apartments nearby
Food & Dining Quality ⭐
On-Site Dining
Quality: Basic Thai meals included in accommodation packages
Menu Highlights: Thai rice dishes, Protein-based meals, Post-training nutrition
Pricing: Included in 30,000 THB package (2 meals/day)
Nearby Dining
Suanluang is a local Bangkok area with street food and Thai restaurants. Not touristy but authentic local food at good prices.
Price Range: 40-80 THB for street food, 100-180 THB for restaurants
Healthy Options: Yes, widely available
Location & Nightlife Access
Address: Rama IX Soi 57 (Praram 9 Soi 57), Suanluang District, Bangkok
Nightlife
25-35 minutes to central Sukhumvit/RCA by taxi
Restaurants
Walking distance to local Thai restaurants
Transportation
Area Vibe
Suanluang is a residential Bangkok neighborhood - local, safe, not touristy. Quiet area good for focus on training. Less convenient than Sukhumvit but more authentic Bangkok experience. Good for students who want to immerse in training without distractions.
What Reddit Says 💬
Most Mentioned Pros
- ✓Small class sizes mean excellent personal attention
- ✓Good value for money (9,000 THB/month)
- ✓Trainer Sorn has great credentials (worked with Saenchai)
- ✓Three rings and cage provide great facilities
- ✓Multi-discipline option (MT, Boxing, MMA, BJJ)
- ✓Accommodation packages are convenient
- ✓Intimate, friendly atmosphere
- ✓Good for beginners who want attention
Most Mentioned Cons
- −Location not convenient from tourist areas
- −Smaller stable means less variety in training partners
- −Not as prestigious as legendary camps
- −Limited English in surrounding neighborhood
- −Facilities are good but not luxury level
- −Fewer fighters to train alongside than big camps
Common Themes
- • Great for people who want small gym atmosphere
- • Good value and personal attention
- • Trainers are skilled and attentive
- • Location trade-off: less convenient but more focused
- • Good for students who don't want to get lost in large gym
- • Solid choice for multi-discipline training
Direct Quotes
"13 Coins is a hidden gem. Small classes mean Sorn really works with you individually. His pad work is excellent."
"For 9,000 baht a month with three rings and a cage, this is great value. Not fancy but solid training."
"The accommodation package at 30k/month including meals is convenient. You just show up and train."
"Not the most famous gym but the attention you get makes up for it. Felt like I learned more here than at bigger gyms where you're just a number."
"Brandon is a great MMA coach. If you want to cross-train striking and grappling, this is a good spot in Bangkok."
⭐ Standout Praise
- • Personal attention from trainers
- • Small class sizes
- • Good value for facilities provided
- • Convenient all-inclusive packages
- • Multi-discipline training options
Last Updated: November 2025
Sources: r/MuayThai, r/Thailand, r/digitalnomad
Best For & Bottom Line
✓ Perfect For
- • Students wanting small gym with personal attention
- • Budget-conscious students seeking value (9,000 THB/month)
- • Multi-discipline martial artists (MT + MMA + BJJ)
- • Beginners who want individual guidance
- • Those seeking all-inclusive training + accommodation packages
- • People who prefer intimate gym atmosphere over large crowds
- • Students wanting to focus on training without tourist distractions
✗ Not Ideal For
- • Those wanting prestigious camp with famous name
- • Students needing convenient Sukhumvit location
- • People who want to train alongside many Thai fighters
- • Those seeking luxury facilities
- • Students wanting extensive nightlife access
- • People who need constant BTS/MRT access
- • Those wanting big gym energy and variety
Overall Value Assessment
Very good value. At 9,000 THB/month for unlimited training with three rings, an MMA cage, and personal attention from experienced trainers, 13 Coins offers excellent value for money. The all-inclusive package at 30,000 THB/month (training + accommodation + 2 meals) is competitive and convenient for foreign students. You're not paying for legendary name, but you're getting quality instruction, solid facilities, and small-group attention. For students who prioritize personal attention over prestige, this represents outstanding value.