The children of Muay Thai
In Thailand, around 200,000 minors practice Muay Thai. More than half are less than 12 years old. Muay Thai is a sport with more than six centuries of tradition. Often, famous boxers are treated like superstars, making millions and becoming, idols for Thai society, especially for the youngest. Among the reasons that push children to get in the ring, there are parents who want their children to learn the tradition, to be capable of defending themselves in the street, but also mafias and gamblers that make good money turning this sport into a show with children fighting.
