Child’s death raises debate over Thai kickboxing

FILE - In this March 19, 2002, file photo, two novice Buddhist monks practice Muay Thai (Thai kickboxing) during a morning training session at the Golden Horse Monastery in northern Thailand. The death of a 13-year-old boy who was knocked out during a Muay Thai boxing match in Thailand has sparked debate over whether to ban child boxing

A child boxer, who died after being hit repeatedly in the head during a Muay Thai bout was mourned yesterday as calls mount for a ban on children entering the ring.

The 13-year-old Anucha Tasako collapsed after his opponent, who is about the same age, delivered the blows at a charity fight in Samut Prakan province, near Bangkok, on Saturday. He died later of a brain haemorrhage, according to police.Those who knew him were sombre but did not seek to cast blame for his death.