Death of young Thai kickboxer brings focus on dangers
Posted November 18, 2018 9:36 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
BANGKOK — The sight of two preteen boys pummeling each other with fists, elbows and feet as a boisterous crowd shouts wagers at each other is considered good, clean sport in Thailand.
However, the death earlier this month of a 13-year-old Muay Thai contender may spark changes to protect other youngsters in Thai kickboxing.
Anucha Tasako died of a brain hemorrhage two days after being knocked out in a Nov. 10 bout, his 174th match in a career started at age 8.
His death was a fluke, said some of the sport’s boosters. They said the referee didn’t stop the fight soon enough and no doctor was available.
But even those boys who can carry on fighting are almost guaranteed long-term health damage, according to a new report by a Thai doctor.
The Associated Press
