Should other countries implement a 'Prison Fighters' program like Thailand?

[wanderingfighter]

You hear a lot about guys who would have been professional fighters in different eras but have migrated towards other bigger paying sports of today. Prisons all over the world are full of potential talent. Do you think other countries should start boxing competitions like the 5 rounds to freedom show based on Thailand's modern day Prison Fight program; where convicted criminals are given the chance to fight for their release?

I think that the western arts lack the spiritual and cultural aspects of Thai boxing. This is something that's a bit hard to explain but it goes beyond just seeing two guys fight in a boxing ring. Thai boxing is engraved into Thai culture along with its religion. This is a culture that emphasizes forgiveness, compassion and a minimalist approach to life.

In the west our survival relies on the collection of money, and our role models (or who we secretly aspire to be) are often assholes in suits. Our culture emphasizes the complete opposite way of life of the Thai people-whose survival is often linked to their family. I mean just think about who the role model for the Thais is....Buddha? A compassionate and forgiving being. Look up to the 8 precepts of Buddhism while you are it. These concepts are drilled into the children at a young age due to the dominance the Buddhist religion has over the educational system in Thailand.

Thai boxing also emphasizes a very strong student to teacher relationship. I don't see this being emphasized in the western arts anymore. I can see how the process of fighting for freedom out of a Thai prison can work to be a form of rehabilitation for these prisoners. Their teachers also become father figures (most of the problems dysfunctional men have are linked to this issue in someway). Then you need to take in account the Buddhist philosophy that comes with practicing the art (and it's probably being drilled into the mind of the prisoners), so I think it continuously reinforces positive habits.

Honestly to keep it short- I think the people in our societies are just too dysfunctional for the most part, and our prison systems are dysfunctional as well. I don't see how it can work.