If the only reason he did an overstay was to avoid the war, then that's great. Hope someone gives him the 20k and an airline ticket, or perhaps he can get it himself as the ultimate safety precaution (I know he was begging for food, but, well, you gotta have that 20k to avoid prison). I think he should have kept moving and gone to Issan, some super small place, maybe even worked at a private school teaching English. I've seen this twice. Once a Russian who couldn't speak English was teaching English, and once a guy on an overstay was teaching under the table. So I'm sure it can be combined. haha.
8 months is pretty long in Koh Phangan. I would guess he could have done 2-3 years in Issan somewhere. Ah, maybe Bangkok is way better since you can hide more......but those smart cars!!!
anyhow, this is the first overstayer I might just like.