Pattaya —
A deaf Thai shoeshiner in Pattaya is being highly praised by netizens for his hard work and determination in overcoming life’s challenges.
The story of a shoe shine man named “Kai” first became known on the internet when a local journalist encountered him cleaning a foreign tourist’s shoes on Pattaya Beach last week.
According to the journalist, Kai earns an honest living by providing shoe cleaning services to tourists. Despite being deaf and mute, he has developed a way to communicate with his customers using a paper sign that reads “Hiring Clean Shoes.”
Every day, Kai arrives at the beach with his shoe cleaning tools, including a brush, towel, and polish, ready to serve customers seeking his services.
He charges only 60 baht per pair, as stated by the journalist who interacted with him using sign language. Kai meticulously cleans and polishes shoes, transforming them from sandy and worn to clean and shiny. His dedication to his craft and the attention he puts into each pair often leave his customers highly satisfied.
Despite the challenges he faces due to his hearing disability, Kai has built a loyal clientele among tourists, particularly foreigners who are often impressed by his work ethic and the quality of his service. His story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with determination and hard work, one can overcome any obstacles.
He can be found on Beach Road every day.
