6. Thailand
Prison population: 313.580
With more than 300.000 inmates, Thailand ranks as sixth on our list of 11 countries with the highest prison population. Compared to other places on this list, Thailand has one of the highest rates of the prison population – in 2015, there were 465 inmates per 100.000 residents.
While in most prisons in the world, one of the guards’ main duties is to prevent clashes between prisoners, in Thai penal institutions boxing matches between inmates are allowed and encouraged by authorities. Inmates fight to earn cash and fame or to reduce their sentence. Some of them even have a chance to win a place in the country’s boxing team. There are no restrictions on who can enter a ring – among fighters there are people who are serving a life sentence for most serious crimes. Prison fights in Thailand have a long history that dates back to 18th century when one Thai fighter was pardoned by the king who was impressed by his victories in prison fights.
