The death of a 13-year-old fighter following a kickboxing match in Thailand has sparked debate over whether to ban matches involving children.
Anucha Tasako was knocked out during a Muay Thai – Thai boxing – match Saturday in a Bangkok suburb. Following the bout, Tasako – who was not wearing any protective gear while fighting – died from a brain hemorrhage.
Child boxing is widespread in rural areas of Thailand. It provides a way for children to earn money for their families, according to its advocates.
Last month, legislation banning children under 12 from competitive boxing was proposed and Thai lawmakers are still considering it while also drafting a revised version of the bill.
Sukrit Parekrithawet, a lawyer who represents several boxing training camps, is not in favor of the proposed legislation
“This would have a major impact on the industry,” Parekrithawet told The Associated Press. “Those who drafted the law do not know anything about the sport of Thai boxing, and this would make Muay Thai become extinct. If you don’t allow younger players to learn their way up, how can they be strong and experienced enough to fight? We call it ‘boxing bones.’ You need to have boxing bones built from a very young age.”
He also called Tasako’s death “unprecedented” and said it was the result of a poorly organized event and had nothing to do with boy’s age.
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