Saturday, June 26, 2010

Inmates Play Their Own World Cup in Bangkok, Thailand

bangkok jail world cup for inmates

I didn’t realized the jails in Thailand had so many people from other countries. Apparently they go to the Red Light District and cause trouble only to get arrested and thrown in jail. I’m speculating of course, but it does make you wonder why there isn’t more Thai prisoners in that jail.

This is more of a odd sports news that’s related to the World Cup Soccer that I thought you might find amusing.

From CNN International:

Bangkok inmates play in their own ‘World Cup’

Teams made up of international inmates imprisoned at Bangkok’s notorious Klong Prem Central Prison hit the field today for the start of a month-long football tournament

Inmates at Bangkok’s infamous Klong Prem Central Prison kicked off their very own international football tournament today — World Cup 2010 Behind Bars.

Over a dozen teams, each featuring seven inmates of various nationalities imprisoned in Klong Prem, including Thais, are competing for the ‘World Cup 2010 Behind Bars’ tournament trophy, which will be awarded on July 10. Check out these images from today’s opening games.

Security guards watch over the players near the trophy during the opening game at the infamous Thai prison. According to a report in today’s Bangkok Post, the event is a collaboration between the Corrections Department, the Football Association of Thailand, the Sports Authority of Thailand and the Tourism and Sports Ministry.

A security guard checks up on things outside the main gate at the start of the Klong Prem Central Prison ‘World Cup 2010 Behind Bars’ tournament. The Sports Authority of Thailand has provided coaches to train the inmates, while more than 100 prison guards are tasked with enforcing security.

The players are shown the World Cup 2010 trophy, which will be awarded on July 10. Today’s opening matches saw inmates from South Africa take on Mexico then France vs Uruguay. The next round of games will take place on June 25.

“There are more than 10,000 prisoners of more than 90 different nationalities nationwide,” Corrections Department deputy director-general Thanis Sriyapan was quoted by the Bangkok Post. “We think of sports as a way to rehabilitate and reform prisoners before they reintegrate into society.


Continue to the full story at CNN International

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