In Bangkok, a 10-year-old girl is shouldering responsibilities far beyond her years, balancing schoolwork with the care of her mother battling stage-four colorectal cancer and helping to run the family’s street food stall. The story of “Muna” and her mother highlights the often-invisible struggles of families facing both chronic illness and financial insecurity, a growing concern for public health officials as Thailand’s population ages and access to affordable healthcare remains uneven . Their resilience will be featured on Thai Rath TV Channel 32, November 30, 2024, at 6:00 PM.
A 10-year-old girl in Bangkok is bravely balancing the responsibilities of caring for her seriously ill mother while helping to support them both through a family-run street food stall. The story highlights the challenges faced by families navigating chronic illness and financial hardship, issues that impact public health globally.
Known as “Muna,” the young girl’s father left before her birth, and she has been raised by her mother, who is battling stage-four colorectal cancer. Muna’s mother was unaware she was pregnant when her partner ended the relationship. While Muna briefly encountered her father as she grew older, they never spoke. Together, mother and daughter operate a small food stall, selling *joek* (rice porridge), to make ends meet.
Muna assists her mother with all aspects of the business, waking up as early as 5:00 AM to help prepare ingredients. When sales were slow, Muna took the initiative to develop a new menu item – crispy fried chicken – to attract more customers. Despite the demanding workload, Muna remains determined to ease her mother’s burden.
The challenges facing Muna and her mother extend beyond financial strain. When Muna was seven years old, her mother experienced a severe health crisis, collapsing from shock during a painful episode related to her cancer. She was temporarily placed in the care of an aunt while her mother underwent frequent hospitalizations and treatment. For four months, Muna was separated from her mother, a particularly difficult period for the young girl. Eventually, her mother decided to place Muna in an orphanage, fearing for her well-being should her health deteriorate further. “You must be strong, you must survive,” her mother repeatedly told Muna. Today, her mother continues to prioritize her health in hopes of spending more time with her daughter, and Muna diligently cares for her, without complaint.
Their living conditions are also precarious. The home they share lacks doors and windows after being defrauded by a contractor who failed to complete the necessary repairs. This has exposed them to mosquito-borne illnesses, including dengue fever. Both mother and daughter are currently contending with both economic hardship and health concerns.
Muna’s story is gaining attention through a television program, described as a testament to her resilience and determination to improve her family’s life. The program is scheduled to air on November 30, 2024, at 6:00 PM on Thai Rath TV Channel 32.
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