Surat Thani: Four young students from Wat Phut School in the Kanchanadit District of Surat Thani Province are using their boxing skills to support their families and fund their education. These students, aged between 9 and 12 years old, come from financially challenged backgrounds and have turned to boxing as a means to alleviate their parents’ burdens.
According to Thai News Agency, the students, who attend Wat Phut School, have been struggling to make ends meet. Teacher Ja, the acting director of the school, has been instrumental in bringing attention to their plight. He took the media on a visit to the homes of the students, revealing their difficult living conditions. For instance, 12-year-old Den Danai, known in the ring as Den Mee Chai, has fought ten matches, winning five. His younger brother, 9-year-old Den Sak, has only fought once and lost. Their parents work as rubber tappers and face financial hardships.
Another student, Prateep, also 12, fights under the name Petchdam Chok-Amnuay99 and has part
icipated in 11 matches, securing seven victories. He lives with his mother in a modest shed on a relative’s land. The fourth student, known as Foksong Petchsiam, has competed in six bouts, winning two and drawing one. He resides with his grandmother since his parents are incarcerated.
Teacher Ja has recognized the unique talents of these children and has encouraged them to focus on Muay Thai boxing as a way to channel their energy and skills. Initially, the school could not support the students with funds, but through Teacher Ja’s efforts and contributions from friends, the boys have been able to train at a boxing camp. Despite their challenges, these young boxers earn small fees from their matches, ranging from 500 to 1,500 baht, which they dutifully give to their parents.
Wat Phut School, which serves many students from low-income families, continues to provide whatever assistance it can. However, the resources are insufficient, prompting Teacher Ja and the school to seek support from the community to pro
vide scholarships for diligent and well-behaved students.