Photo by Mateusz Turbinski
In November last year, a young Muay Thai exponent died in the ring in the outskirts of Bangkok.
Just 13, Anucha Tasako succumbed to the punches from his older opponent in the bout. Like Tasako, his opponent was just 15-years old. Both were taking part in the bout without any protective gears.
Tasako, who death was attributed to brain aneurism, was reported to have already chalked up 170 bouts since he started at the tender age of eight.
Following the unfortunate incident, politicians and social advocates were quick to call for legislation to protect kids in the violent sport.
The Thai Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat had quickly committed to quickly drafting an amendment to protect Thai children from the risks of Muay Thai.
But with the anniversary of his death fast approaching, any hopes of a quick remedy is wanting.
The delay. Among other must be attributed to the status of Muay Thai in Thailand. It is almost a religion of sorts in the country and is highly revered by the masses. Muay Thai is not only a cultural and traditional sports in Thailand, it is also its national sports.
With young Muay Thai exponents also earning sizeable amount compared to the daily average Thai adults earn, the sport is a lucrative avenue, especially for the poorer kids and their family.
It is estimated that almost 200,000 children have taken up Muay Thai and each of them may face similar fate or perhaps danger as Tasako.
The sport is also riddled with gambling and hence its growing popularity and the need to get more children involved.
Faced with economic difficulties and the prospect of making a decent living, many parents have no objections with their kids taking up Muay Thai.
For now any legislation to protect these kids also does not look anywhere near the horizon. One reason for this is said to be because the sports is extremely popular in the rural area, where the biggest vote bank are.
A move to curtail children in the sport may even see the government of the day, facing an unsatisfied electorate.
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