Muay Thai Young Fighters Want to Return to the Ring for the sake of Family Livelihoods

Little boxer, Pornpattara Peachurai alias Tata Por Lasua, against Jaruadfai Ufa Boom Deksean in a boxing match in Chachoengsao Province, Thailand, October 26, 2021. There are about 300,000 boxers under the age of 15, according to the Thai Professional Boxing Association.  REUTERS / Athit Perawongmetha

  The nine-year-old Muay Thai boxer is back in the ring to support his family despite the risk of the Covid-19 pandemic.

 Pornpattara "Tata" Peachaurai is anxious to get back into the ring after coronavirus restrictions ended its fighting season more than five months ago.  The money he makes is an important income for his family.

 "All money from boxing, routine payments and tips, everything belongs to the mother," said the young fighter.

 "I am proud to be a boxer and make money for my mother," said Tata.

 Tata's last fight took place in October, before Thailand's second Covid-19 outbreak shut down sporting events.

 "I can't box. I haven't boxed yet either ... I helped my mother sell something."

 Tata lives with his mother and 16-year-old younger sister, Poomrapee, who is also a boxer in the youth national team.

 Pornpattara Peachurai, known as the ring Tata Por Lasua, is a 9-year-old Muay Thai boxer, spending time with his mother, Sureeporn Eimpong, 40, after a training session at a gym in Bangkok, Thailand, October 3, 2020. [REUTERS /  Athit Perawongmetha]

 His family relies on Tata's income as a way out of poverty and hopes he can become a professional Muay Thai fighter, or represent the police or army in the ring and earn higher ranks and bonuses.

 "Usually he gives his income to mothers," said Tata's mother, Sureeporn Eimpong, 40 years old.

 "Sometimes he asks for some toys after a match," said the mother.

 Children's muay Thai in Thailand can be as popular as adult fights and takes place at tournaments, festivals and temple fairs.  There are about 300,000 boxers under the age of 15, according to the Thai Professional Boxing Association.

 Little boxer, Pornpattara Peachurai alias Tata Por Lasua trains at a gym in Bangkok, Thailand, October 3, 2020. Since the last 5 months, the 9-year-old boy has lost one of his income because he does not compete in the ring.  REUTERS / Athit Perawongmetha

 Some medical experts are calling for a ban on boxing for minors, though, saying it can lead to stunted growth, long-term neurological problems, brain damage, and disabilities.

 Parental consent is the only requirement at this time for child boxers.

 "I'm not worried about boxing," said Sureeporn, adding that boxers are trained to protect themselves.