Photographer Martin Gros is the Edge of Humanity Magazine contributor of this social documentary photography. These images are from his project ‘Children Boxers‘. To see Martin’s body of work click on any image.
Also known as Thai boxing, Muay Thai is considered the national sport in Thailand. Organized around
monetary bet, the winners are rewarded by fame and fortune and successful fighters are treated like
celebrities. Therefore, becoming a boxer is considered by many young people as a means of social success.
Some children are sent by their parents from the rural regions to Bangkok and other major cities to training
camps. They hope that their sons will become good fighters and be able to help the family financially.
Thai people come to support their champions and bet money while tourists come to discover the spectacular and unique folklore of this discipline.
Sometimes driven by their parents and supported by coaches the children starts training at the age of 6 years old. Officially, the age required to enter the competition is 11 years.
If some young people fight for the passion of the sport, others are at the heart of a lucrative business for the
benefit of coaches, victims of bullying and beatings in case of defeat.
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By Martin Gros
