SHAKING UP the Thai sports world is a move by the National Human Rights Commission, together with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, to prohibit children under 15 years old from joining Muay Thai boxing with a People’s MP questioning whether this step would destroy the roots of this Thai boxing, which is now popular worldwide, Naewna newspaper said today (June 14).
The MP, Mr. Kittiphan Saokaew, said on Facebook that the draft legislation being considered to regulate child and youth boxing contains some strict provisions. Two of them are as follows:
– Absolutely prohibiting children under 15 years old from boxing;
– Prohibiting youths aged 15-18 from boxing without established standards, conditions, rules, and strict safety equipment.
Kittiphan questioned whether this action constitutes “controlling the growth of Muay Thai,” pointing out that child and provincial boxing are like the roots that have nurtured the Muay Thai industry for a long time. All world-renowned Thai boxers started out in child and provincial boxing arenas.
Current boxing camps have safe and standardised training and care systems for boxers. A complete ban would therefore stifle the dreams and opportunities of children who willingly train and compete, he added.
He suggested adjusting the rules instead of banning, fearing foreign countries might surpass Thai boxers.
“Banning doesn’t always mean protecting, and isn’t this closing off opportunities?” Kittiphan questioned.
He suggested a solution: the government should shift from “banning” to “promoting” by providing space for child boxing, upgrading boxing equipment, or designing safer and age-appropriate rules so that youth can still showcase their skills and earn income.
Kittiphan also expressed concern about the increasing difficulty Thai boxers face on the world stage against foreign competitors, as other countries encourage youth to train and compete in Muay Thai from a young age.
He called on the boxing community to unite in opposing the draft law.
He warned that the Thai boxing industry might face a crisis if this draft law is passed and urged people in the boxing community and the general public to oppose it by sending feedback through government channels stating that they support protecting child boxing from extinction.
If this is ignored, the Thai boxing scene will undoubtedly change, he underscored.
CAPTION:
Top and Front Page – Some child boxers. Photos – Naewna
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