I really appreciate and learned a lot from this perspective. Also love the way you attempt to define what many people, myself included, are trying to say when we use terms like "authentic". It really has so many different meanings from person to person and really helps to look within and try to find what we are really communicating when we say "authentic". We all will certainly have our own definition of authentic muay thai. But what is truly authentic, we would have no part of as foreigners. Really good food for thought there. There is so much romanticism around what muay thai in Thailand is and this write up helps me get a proper perspective. Beautiful writing as well and thank you for this insight.
Also think your spot on about what I quoted above. "So the first thing we look for is not a successful "business", but a personal expression, a culture of Muay Thai, under a moral force of character". I think Lamnammoon embodies this quote.
Also just wanted to ask Kevin, if there's any philosophers, authors, or books that really made an impact on you? Would appreciate any recommendations.