Fight clubs in Thai prisons

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.

1. A prisoner is warming up before a fight.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

8. Competitors take a commemorative photo before the fight.

9. And so the first round began.

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

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

12. Prisoners are watching the fight.

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

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

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

16. A boxer cools off during a break.

17. Doctors provide first aid to wounded soldiers.