Fight clubs in Thai prisons

Categories: Asia | Sport |

In Thai prisons, the combat sport of muay thai (or Thai kickboxing) gives all prisoners a great chance not only to earn privileges, but even get out early if they win enough fights against foreign rivals. Getty Images employee Borja Sanchez Trillo traveled to Khlong Pai Prison to document one such battle.

Fight clubs in Thai prisons
Fight clubs in Thai prisons

1. A prisoner is warming up before a fight.

Fight clubs in Thai prisons

2. Ironically in Thai law, all prisoners have a chance for amnesty if they succeed in sports. The corresponding law was signed back in 1767, when, after the capture of Ayutthaya (then the capital of Thailand), the Burmese captured thousands of soldiers. During their time in prison, the soldiers took part in organized battles against their captors. The best fighter was allegedly guaranteed complete freedom.

Fight clubs in Thai prisons

3. The independent charity Prison Fight recently offered to recruit foreign boxers to prison fights. Prison Fight provides sports equipment, small cash rewards and, most importantly for all prisoners, helps to get a real chance for a commutation. In the photo, a foreign fighter is warming up before the fight in the gym on the territory of the prison.

Fight clubs in Thai prisons

4. The ultimate goal of the Prison Fight charitable organization is the rehabilitation of prisoners, the development of sports and health, as well as helping those released in a better social adaptation in the future. In the photo, a prison guard oversees the process of preparing for the battle.

Fight clubs in Thai prisons

5. The prison warden closely watches how the assistants massage the prisoner before the fight.

Fight clubs in Thai prisons

6. The prisoner helps the fighter bandage his hands before the start of the match.

Fight clubs in Thai prisons

7. The fight will take place on the territory of the exercise yard, so the prison guard needs to open the gate in advance.

Fight clubs in Thai prisons

8. Competitors take a commemorative photo before the fight.

Fight clubs in Thai prisons

9. And so the first round began.

Fight clubs in Thai prisons

10. A foreign fighter grabs a prisoner during a fight in Klong Pai prison.

Fight clubs in Thai prisons

11. Foreign athletes are waiting for their entry into the ring.

Fight clubs in Thai prisons

12. Prisoners are watching the fight.

Fight clubs in Thai prisons

13. A foreign boxer takes a punch to the face.

Fight clubs in Thai prisons

14. The blow was too strong. The athlete fell to the floor.

Fight clubs in Thai prisons

15. The opponent's blood runs down the prisoner's gloves during the break between rounds.

Fight clubs in Thai prisons

16. A boxer cools off during a break.

Fight clubs in Thai prisons

17. Doctors provide first aid to wounded soldiers.

Keywords: Boxing | Thailand | Prison

     

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