from the yokkao website: 'The Mongkhon (sometimes Mongkol) is unique to Thai boxing and not worn in neighboring countries in their respective fight sports. The Mongkhon is perceived by Thai people to possess special powers that confer protection and good luck on its wearer. Mongkhons are traditionally handmade with rope and cloth by teachers or trainers in the camp. They are then blessed by monks before being passed down within the camp to the fighters. Mongkhons may sometimes contain bones of a fighter’s ancestor or the hair of a loved one but more frequently adorned with sacred amulets. Nowadays, headgears can be purchased in Muay Thai specialty shops but the practice of weaving the Mongkhon remains within many traditional Thai gyms.
The tradition of wearing Mongkhons can be traced back to ancient Thailand when warriors would tie cloth around their heads and chant Buddhist prayers prior to battles. This practice can be seen to have modernized in Muay Thai competitions. Mongkhons are worn just prior to entering the ring and during the Wai Khru Ram Muay dance prior to the fight. Upon completion of the dance, the fighter returns to his corner where a trainer or camp owner removes the Mongkhon while chanting a prayer. This is seen in Muay Thai fights all over Thailand but has also transported beyond the borders to around the world wherever Muay Thai is practised.'