15-6-203 (BANGKOK) A heartwarming story has unfolded in Huai Rat district as generous donors have contributed a staggering total of 5.9 million baht (S$227,822) in cash and essential items to support a four-year-old girl and her blind grandmother. The duo, living in a dilapidated shack filled with holes, captured the attention and compassion of many.
The touching tale began when Patcharini Esatee, a teacher at Ban Makham Than Tawan School in Tambon Ta Sao, encountered the girl’s grandmother, Sao Jindasri, during a meeting with students’ guardians. Ms. Sao, accompanied by her granddaughter Sutheemon, approached the teacher seeking financial assistance for her granddaughter’s accident insurance premium. Overwhelmed by the situation, the teacher decided to pay the premium on the grandmother’s behalf.
During their conversation, Ms. Patcharini discovered that the elderly woman was mostly blind and relied on her cane for support. Learning about the challenges they faced, the compassionate teacher offered to transport the young girl to and from school in her own car.
Motivated by the heartwarming encounter, Ms. Patcharini decided to visit their humble abode and document their daily struggles. Inspired to help further, she shared the video, hoping to raise funds for the family’s welfare.
The response from the community was overwhelming. Donations poured in, and the designated bank account swiftly reached a total of 5.9 million baht (S$227,822). The teacher expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the kindness shown by the donors.
To ensure the funds are allocated appropriately, concerned officials drafted an agreement stipulating that 4 million baht (S$154 ,456) would be dedicated to the girl’s education, while the remainder would be reserved for the grandmother’s well-being and home repairs.
The shack they call home is located approximately one kilometre from the school, where the four-year-old girl is enrolled in kindergarten. With only a monthly elderly allowance of 600 baht (S$23) and a monthly disability allowance of 800 baht (S$30), the grandmother and granddaughter have struggled to make ends meet. The girl’s father works in a different province and does not provide regular financial support.
Despite their hardships, the resilient grandmother has managed to raise her granddaughter to be independent and responsible. Together, they navigate through daily tasks, with the young girl taking charge of household chores such as dishwashing, laundry, and cooking rice.
Reports suggest that a community committee will assist in managing their finances, ensuring the funds are utilized effectively to improve their living conditions.
