Muay Thai Kids

Alain Schroeder

This event has concluded

Dates: 04 Nov 2022 - 04 Dec 2022

Location: Bondi Beach Promenade Queen Elizabeth Drive Bondi Beach NSW 2026 Australia

Hours: 24 hours - Daily

Entry Fee: Free

Genres: Photojournalism/Documentary

Far from Thailand’s iconic tourist destinations, Isaan, the kingdom’s largest region, reaches north and east to the borders of Laos and Cambodia.

Poverty forces many residents to seek work in Bangkok, but children are often left behind under the care of grandparents. To keep them out of trouble and with the prospect of earning money to support the family, kids are enrolled in Muay Thai (the country’s national sport).

The kids’ dream of one day fighting on TV, building a house for their parents and defending the pride of their community, while gym owners, trainers and families rely heavily on their earnings.

Betting is fierce, and the pressure on the children is palpable. Few will become champions, but for poor kids with limited options, Muay Thai is a way to meet the cultural expectation of helping their families and a chance at a better life.

Want to view this Gallery?

Create a free account or log in to see content exclusive to account holders.

Alain Schroeder

Belgian photojournalist Alain Schroeder (b. 1955) has worked in the industry for over four decades. First as a sports photographer in the 80s, then shooting book assignments and editorial pieces in art, culture and human stories.

In 2013, he uprooted his life, trading in his shares in Reporters, to pursue life on the road with a camera. Schroeder now travels the world shooting stories focusing on social issues, people and their environment.

He has won many international awards, including Nikon Japan, Nikon Belgium, TPOTY, Istanbul Photo, Days Japan, Trieste Photo, PX3, IPA, MIFA, BIFA, PDN, The Fence, Lens Culture, Siena, POYI and World Press Photo.