13-year-old Thai boy dies after kickboxing match
The death of a 13-year-old boy, who was knocked out during a kickboxing match in Thailand, has sparked debate over whether to ban matches involving children.
Key points:
- Anucha Tasako had fought 170 times since he began aged 8
- He reportedly suffered a brain haemorrhage
- Boxing offers a way for children to help provide for their families
Anucha Tasako died after a Muay Thai — Thai boxing — match on Saturday in the Bangkok suburb of Samut Prakarn.
The Facebook page Muaythai Krobwongjorn, which covers the sport, said he died from a brain haemorrhage.
Protective gear is normally not worn in the sport, and video circulated on social media said to be of the fight shows Anucha not wearing any.
Sukrit Parekrithawet, a lawyer who represents several boxing training camps, said the death of the 13-year-old, who fought under the name Petchmongkol S Wilaitong, was a one-off incident and the result of a poorly organised event.
"This has never happened before and it's unprecedented," he said.
"There are several factors involved which have nothing to do with age. The referee wasn't quick enough to stop the fight and the venue didn't have a doctor on standby, which shouldn't happen."
Public television station ThaiPBS reported Anucha had fought more than 170 matches since he began boxing at the age of 8, and was currently fighting in the under-41kg weight division.
Fighting seen as a path out of poverty
Child boxing is widespread in Thailand, especially in rural areas, where it offers a way for children to help provide for their families and a path to lift them out of poverty, according to its advocates.
Opponents say the sport is dangerous, citing studies such as one published last month by Thailand's Mahidol University, which said allowing children under 15 to box could result in various types of brain damage.
Thai politicians are considering legislation proposed last month banning children younger than 12 from competitive boxing.
The legislation has been forwarded to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, which has already drafted a revised version, said General Aduldej Intapong, a member of the National Legislative Assembly.
Kickboxing is one of the most popular sports in Thailand and its advocates oppose regulating it.
ThaiPBS reported Anucha was raised by his uncle, who is a boxing trainer, after his parents separated.
The uncle, Damrong Tasako, told the TV station Anucha's death was an accident but he would like to see regulations for children under 15 to wear protective gear to soften blows to the head and body.
AP
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ABC .net
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