Death of 13-year-old boy spurs Thailand debates on child boxing

BANGKOK — The death of a 13-year-old boy who was knocked out during a boxing match in Thailand has sparked debate over whether to ban child boxing.

The death of Anucha Tasako came after a Muay Thai — Thai boxing — match last Saturday in the Bangkok suburb of Samut Prakarn. The Facebook page Muaythai Krobwongjorn, which covers the sport, said he died from a brain hemorrhage.

Child boxing is widespread in Thailand, especially in rural areas, where it offers a way for children to help provide for their families and a path to lift them out of poverty, its advocates said. Opponents, however, said studies have shown that the sport threatens growing children with brain damage.

Thai lawmakers were considering a law banning children under 12 years old from competitive boxing. The sport’s promoters oppose the measure.  /kga