Clinches can aid the Thai boxer in maintaining balance while striking with the knees, in maximizing the force of a blow by pulling the target area closer to the striking weapon, and in preventing one's adversary from getting away while offensive techniques are being executed. A Thai fighter usually delivers an elbow, knee, punch, or round house kick while grabbing the opponent rather than a push -straight and thrust kick which is mainly used for defense and for creating distance between one's opponent. 

There are not many fighting arts that specializes in close range combat and in the use of the elbows and knees more than Thai kickboxing. The length of time needed for a person to acquire the self defense capabilities found within Muay Thai is much less than in most other martial arts.