“We are here because we want to be here, this is our life, not our job.” -Frances Watthanaya

The following is an interview with MBSB contributor and Wor. Watthana gym owner, Frances Watthanya.

It’s the one year anniversary of Wor. Watthana and what a year it has been. You’ve had so much going on. Let’s start first with a brief overview from one year ago until now…..go!

With the success of our gofundme campaign we were able build a fully functioning gym for the kids. We have a stadium standard ring for training, an area for weights and skipping, pull-up bars, and have hung 4 bags. Thanks to our monthly sponsors, we are able to provide clean drinking water, nutrition supplements, food, medical expenses, and adequate training clothing for the kids on a regular basis. We are also able to keep them busy as fighters which is what they want. The majority of our monthly expenses go towards travel costs to and from the fights and the match ups. This past year we traveled to over thirty shows!

And some highlights that really stand out…..

So much has happened in the past year but I think the most significant is Boom being able to leave his job in Malaysia to return to the gym full time. This is all thanks to Booster Fight Gear who have given Boom and me a job here in Thailand. It’s not conventional, so it is a bit difficult to explain, but we do a lot of Thailand based PR for them and scout fighters for a new Belgium based company called Fight Night Promotions.

What impact has the gym had on your lives, the fighters, and the community?

The villagers are really proud of this gym and their fighters; it’s not something they have had in the past. For the kids, they really love what they are doing and it is something they get to choose to do. They are making money and are able to care for themselves and their families because they want to.

For myself and Boom, this has been a really humbling experience because of the support we have received worldwide. Getting to see these kids fight their way out of poverty is an experience like no other, and we are continually grateful for this opportunity.

Is there anything you would change?

This all happened really fast, the support has been overwhelming. I’m happy but I think Boom would have liked the fighters to have to had struggle a bit more. Having a ring to train in, ropes to bounce off of, it is defiantly a luxury for new fighters like ours. It’s difficult, because you can’t hold them to the fact that we have a nice gym or get donations; they didn’t ask for it but others will say they didn’t earn it. I don’t exactly know how to navigate through this. But for Boom, he is on them. He gives them his full dedication and he expects the same in return.

What is it like being a gym owner and a promoter in Isaan?

I really love it! I get a lot of respect from the people in the Muay Thai community and my contribution seems really valued by the Thais.

How do you manage the expectations, the obligations and the chaos that comes with it all?

I don’t know how I do it, I feel like I am still learning. My biggest challenge is balancing my own western expectations with the realities of life for these kids. I have to be aware of the boundaries, and while I do push them, I do not cross them. I may be a very important part of the community but I am still a white, western woman who has western opportunities and a western education.

What about it makes you feel alive?

The fights, especially when I get to see these kids succeed, and by succeed, I don’t necessarily mean win. When their dedication to training shows during a fight; Boom and I are really proud that we facilitated that. And also just being there for them, win or lose, we are like a family.

Tell us about your top fighters. Who should we be watching?

The kids we work with are really up and down which is normal, especially at the beginning of their careers. Throughout the year they all have had their joys and sorrows but what makes them special is the fact that they don’t give up.

At this very moment Bpaet is the superstar and has booked a big fight in Roi Et on the 6th of February. Even though he isn’t as strong as some of the kids he faces, he is fearless and very difficult to fight. Also, just last week Min really came into her own as a fighter. It took her a bit longer than some of the other kids, but after this fight, things are really looking good for her.

How do you keep the kids motivated? What are the complications that arise?

I really struggled when Boom was gone. Running the gym, keeping our supporters engaged, all while trying to raise my daughter; I didn’t have much left in me. Now that Boom is back, we all just have fun! That is really the secret for us; we enjoy what we are doing and so do the kids.

You’ve done an incredible job with Wor. Watthana. It’s pretty unreal. What do you think has been instrumental to your progress over the past year?

I think part of it comes down to intention; we never intended to do this. The gym built itself in a lot of ways. We are here because we want to be here, this is our life, not our job.

And lastly, what is your vision for the next year?

We are just going to keep going.

Closing remarks?

Thank you. Thank you to everyone who contributed to our gofundme campaign, to those who made donations, and to our monthly sponsors. You built this gym, you are changing these kids lives for the better.

Thank you to Booster Fight Gear for bringing our family back together and giving these kids the role model that they need and deserve.

All photos by Scott Hirano.

Scott Hirano is a Californian based photographer. You can find him on his website Facebook and Instagram