In Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, approximately two hours north of Bangkok, lies the Klong Pai Prison.

For most, a Thai prison may seem like a strange tourist destination, but Klong Pai is a special case.

Starting in January of 2013, a program called “Prison Fight Thailand” has been bringing in eager foreign martial artists to engage in intense Muay Thai kickboxing matches with the inmates.

Muay Thai is Thailand’s national sport and a major part of the country’s cultural identity. Thai children begin to learn Muay Thai in primary school, so almost every adult is experienced in the martial art.

The Prison Fight program, which is backed by Thailand’s Department of Corrections, aims to rehabilitate prisoners by using Muay Thai to,

“…promote sport and good health among prisoners and to help them with better social adaptation in the future.”

The program seeks to provide a healthy alternative to drugs, which are rampant in Thai prisons. Its participants also take part in agricultural projects.

Inmates who win fights earn sentence reductions, but the program’s organizers also point out that the desire to be competitive as a fighter plays a big role in keeping prisoners clean and out of trouble.

In many cases, inmates with long term success in the program are granted requests for reduced sentences because of their good behavior, rather than just because of their success as a fighter.

Check out the video below for a closer look into Klong Pai’s Prison Fight Program:

You can learn more about the program on its Facebook page.