Thai boxing matches resume after lockdown, but audiences stay home

By Athit Perawongmetha Muaythai boxers fight in front of empty spectator seats behind closed doors due to the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the Siam Boxing Stadium in Samut Sakhon province, Thailand, June 4, 2020.

Muaythai boxers fight in front of empty spectator seats behind closed doors due to the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the Siam Boxing Stadium in Samut Sakhon province, Thailand, June 4, 2020. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

In March, a spike in virus cases was linked to a boxing match in Bangkok. “Today is a good start for the boxing industry,” said Viboon Jampa-Nguern, head of Thailand’s boxing committee. “Boxers are in jeopardy, they don’t have alternative jobs. The same goes for those who work as boxing referees, they don’t have second jobs to support them,” he said. Thailand’s tourism-driven economy could contract a record 8.1% this year, with the number of foreign tourists expected to tumble 80%, the central bank has forecast.

Source: Thai boxing matches resume after lockdown, but audiences stay home

Photo: REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

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