11-3-2024 (BANGKOK) In a desperate bid to escape mounting financial woes, a 57-year-old fruit seller in Bangkok has resorted to a shocking measure – offering one of his own eyes for sale. The distressing scene unfolded at his fruit stall in Bangkok’s Bang Bon district, where a poignant sign reading “Eye for sale” caught the attention of passersby.
The heart-wrenching image of the elderly man, who remains unnamed, went viral after a concerned Thai citizen shared it on Facebook on March 8. The accompanying caption read, “Feeling sorry for him. Saw a person selling fruits at (Bangkok’s) Bang Bon district who announced he is ready to sell one of his eyes too.”
According to interviews with Thai media, the fruit seller disclosed that he found himself in this dire situation due to an undisclosed amount of informal debt. The debt was incurred when he took out a loan for an investment that unfortunately ended in failure.
It’s crucial to note that the sale of human organs is strictly prohibited in Thailand, with severe legal repercussions imposed on those involved, including medical practitioners. The Thai Red Cross Society emphasized that only organ donations from relatives are permitted.
Thailand grapples with one of the highest household debt ratios in the region, standing at 16.2 trillion baht (S$608.4 billion) or 90.9 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product as of the end of September 2023, as reported by Reuters.
Illegal loan sharks have proliferated, particularly among lower-income families who struggle to secure bank loans. Many individuals find themselves ensnared in debt with exorbitant interest rates. The President of the Thai Bankers’ Association, Payong Srivanich, estimated that Thailand’s informal debt reached 3.97 trillion baht.
Addressing the severity of the issue, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin declared on Nov 28, “Informal debt is like modern-day slavery that destroys dreams… and a chronic problem.” As the plight of the Bangkok fruit seller gains attention, it highlights the urgent need for addressing the pervasive issue of informal debt in the country.
