(L to R) Thongsuk Narinthorn, Oradee Sakolyuth and
Waeth Narinthorn appeal for help.
Manoon Makpol
Being poor apparently wasn’t enough hardship for Shalan
Sakolyuth’s family. All five members were stricken with severe health problems
and, sometime this month, will be evicted from their home.
Shalan, 80, his 76-year-old wife Waeth Narinthorn, daughters
Thongsuk Narinthorn, 55, Nuaree Sakolyuth, 45, and Oradee Sakolyuth, 25,
appealed to the media Feb. 23 at their Nong Plalai home for money so they can
start new jobs as lottery sales agents in hopes of getting back on their feet.
Shalan is paralyzed from the waist down and suffers from
kidney disease. Waeth is a stroke victim, Thongsuk has arthritis and Nuaree has
lung cancer. Even the youngest, Oradee, has cystic fibrosis. If they can work at
all, they earn money picking up trash to recycle, selling second-hand goods or
in a low-paying waitress job.
The family moved from Bangkok four years ago to be near their
youngest son who had a girlfriend in Pattaya. But when he married and had a
child, he largely abandoned the rest of his relatives.
The family members say they don’t have enough money from
government welfare and minimal employment to make ends meet. Making matters
worse, Oradee borrowed money off a loan shark she cannot repay and the family
faced exorbitant interest charges after she went into hiding.
The family’s landlord decided he’d had enough and last month
gave the group two months to get out.
“Right now, there is no way out. All I see is darkness and
borrowing money became a necessity as I am also very sick,” said Thongsuk, who
has hatched a new plan to raise funds by selling lottery tickets. However, she
said, getting started is expensive and she needs money to buy her initial
allotments.
“The lottery has become more expensive and I must fight as I
have parents waiting for food,” she said, adding that one family member tries to
sell second-hand items, but has been threatened by younger competitors.
“The reason we came to the media is to request for kind
persons to please lend us money to buy lottery tickets as I have no strength to
do anything else,” Thongsuk said. “As soon as I have enough money, I will return
it. If not, I will have to beg for more.”
Those willing to help can contact 087-160-8271.
