Banglamung –
Nuchan Malaikham, 73, was found by local press and medical staff yesterday, September 4, desperately begging on the footpath near Photisarn intersection with bleeding wounds on both of her feet.
The woman depressingly told reporters that her wounds are caused by diabetes that she has been suffering. She has to cut her toes by herself since none of her children could take her to the hospital and due to lack of funds.
She said: “The diabetic wound healing has to be done by a doctor and must be approved by relatives, but no one comes to sign the papers and take me to the hospital. It is too painful and unbearable, especially on my toes, that I have to trim it myself.”
Nuchan further stated that she has four children who have now left the city of Pattaya to find work in different places after the Covid19 crisis put them out of work. One of her children was recently arrested for drug use and is currently serving his sentence.
She is now living in an abandoned house with her two sons-in-law, who had stopped giving her money due to their own economic problems. She then said she had no choice but to hopelessly become a beggar to live a life.
Junior rescue volunteer Wachirawit Kaenpirom, 23, told reporters that he comes to bring her some food and supplies to relieve her hunger and also to wash her wounds every day otherwise she could get infected.
“I thank you for the help of the volunteer. I think I can continue living like this and don’t want to bother any agency to come and help. As for diabetes treatment, I won’t miss further doctor’s appointment and always take medicine properly and daily.” Nuchan said.
Nuchan’s story is just one of a growing number of homeless and desperate stories in Pattaya as the Covid-19 pandemic and economic effects continue to cause issues, especially in cities formerly popular with tourists like Pattaya.
Note: Her story and photos have been used with her permission, although she stressed she doesn’t nessacarily want help but want people to be aware of the tough situations many are going through currently.
