An 84-year-old woman in Buriram, living alone for more than three decades in a rundown house without basic amenities like electricity and water, faces a heart-wrenching situation. Yoei Bungthong, residing in House 101, Moo 3, Mai Daeng village, Chum Saeng sub-district, has no mobility and relies on the kindness of her neighbors and leftover food from a local school. Yoei, who lost both her children and has few relatives who occasionally visit, is supported by her community, who share their meals with her and even provide school lunches.
Local community leader Aiem Soraknit has known about her difficult circumstances for a while, and various health services, volunteers, and government agencies like the Buriram Red Cross and Sub-district Administration Organisation have been helping her.
Recently, Yoei received 6,000 baht (US$162) from well-wishers, which her relatives learned about and returned to spend before leaving again. About 15 years ago, Yoei sold her land for 300,000 baht, but her relatives took all the money and never returned. Her daily survival relies on the support of villagers and local officials who check on her regularly. The money she receives from disability and old-age benefits is managed by the community leader for her needs. Despite her isolation, Yoei’s grandchildren, who used to keep her company, are no longer around.
Currently, Yoei has asked the landowner not to evict her as she cherishes the land she lives on and refuses to move, even considering a senior citizen’s home. She still holds out hope that her grandchildren will visit her someday.
