Muay Thai Kids

(click on the picture to see more images and then click miniatures to enlarge the photos) In Isaan, kids are enrolled in Muay Thai (the martial art that is the country’s national sport) as early as 5, and can be competing by 6-7 years old. Betting is fierce and the pressure on the children is palpable. For poor kids, Muay Thai is a way to meet the cultural expectation of helping their families and a chance at a better life. The series has won 1st Place @ URBAN Photo Awards in Trieste Photo Days, 1st Place at Lugano Photo Days, 1st Place at Best of Photojournalism 2022 by NPPA, 3rd Prize at Istanbul Photo Awards, Finalist @ 79th POYI in the category Sports Picture Story and finalist in Sports Life, Honorable Mention @ Siena 2022, 1st Place at Felix Schoeller in Photojournalism category, 2023, and published in National Geographic Holland Belgium in January 2023