Sidecar saga: 70 year old's 600km epic journey to the seaside

[webfact]

 

A 70 year old Thai man was so determined to enjoy the seaside for the first time in his life that he successfully rode his sidecar motorcycle over 600 kilometers from the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani to Koh Chang, an island in the eastern province of Trat.

 

The story of the 70 year old, Loi Tapila, came to light when a reporter in the Isaan province of Surin encountered him resting on his old sidecar motorcycle at a petrol station on March 7. The reporter spoke to Loi and discovered that he was on a journey from his home province of Ubon Ratchathani to see the sea for the first time in Koh Chang.

 

Loi revealed that he left home on March 3 with only 200 baht in cash. Along the way, he collected plastic bottles and other recyclable trash and sold them to buy food, drinks, and petrol. He mostly slept at petrol stations because he thought they were safe and had toilets where he could shower.

Loi added that he lived alone after he divorced his wife, and his children had left home to build their families. He wanted to enjoy the beach and sea at least once in his life and this motivated him to embark on this epic journey to Koh Chang in Trat.

Loi told the reporter that his main concern was his aging motorcycle, which he feared could break down unpredictably. He mentioned that he had previously embarked on motorcycle trips from his home to the northern province of Chiang Rai and was hopeful for a successful journey this time.

 

The reporter observed that Loi's motorcycle was laden with plastic bottles and recyclable items. They were collected by Loi, who intended to sell them to finance his dream trip. Attached to his motorcycle was a small sign, handwritten by Loi.

 

It said…

“I am an old man on a journey from Ubon Ratchathani to Trat. I am collecting rubbish along the way to earn money for the journey. This old man welcomes any support from you. Thank you for supporting me.

 

Freshly grilled seafood and five-star hotels

 

Loi's inspiring story gained traction on Thai social media, garnering support from petrol station attendants and locals throughout his journey until he reached Trat on March 8. Loi told the media that he would taste the sea water, to see whether it was salty as others had told him.

Locals in Trat together with the Trat Tourism Council were looking forward to welcoming Loi. He got a free ferry trip from the province's mainland to Koh Chang. The owner of a seafood restaurant, 58 year old Pichit Wongpaikorn, offered grilled seafood to Loi for free as a welcome meal.

 

Loi stayed on the island for three days and got free accommodation from two five-star hotels, Marina Sands Resort Koh Chang and the Aiyapura Resort.

 

Loi enjoyed a boat trip, dancing and fire shows, and multiple Koh Chang signature dishes. The pictures and videos of Loi running and playing in the sea were shared on Thai social media , and all netizens were happy for him.

 

Loi extended his beach adventure to another island, Koh Kood, today, March 11, before journeying back home on his trusty sidecar motorcycle. Channel 3 reported that numerous hotels and restaurants generously supported him, striving to ensure his inaugural beach excursion became the highlight of his life.

 

It is heartening to witness Loi's dream materialize. Many elderly individuals in Thailand may harbor similar aspirations but encounter financial hurdles.

 

ThaiRath reported that the majority of elderly Thai citizens are ill-prepared for retirement, facing low incomes and inadequate savings. Furthermore, the country provides limited welfare support for its elderly residents.

 

Only 5% of the elderly population earn enough to save, with the majority either continuing to work post-retirement or relying on their children and younger family members for financial assistance.

 

 

by Petch Petpailin

Top Photo via Facebook/ TV5HD Online

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-12

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

 

[JoePai]

or relying on their children and younger family members for financial assistance

 

Plus of course the foreign spouses...

[billd766]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

 

A 70 year old Thai man was so determined to enjoy the seaside for the first time in his life that he successfully rode his sidecar motorcycle over 600 kilometers from the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani to Koh Chang, an island in the eastern province of Trat.

 

The story of the 70 year old, Loi Tapila, came to light when a reporter in the Isaan province of Surin encountered him resting on his old sidecar motorcycle at a petrol station on March 7. The reporter spoke to Loi and discovered that he was on a journey from his home province of Ubon Ratchathani to see the sea for the first time in Koh Chang.

 

Loi revealed that he left home on March 3 with only 200 baht in cash. Along the way, he collected plastic bottles and other recyclable trash and sold them to buy food, drinks, and petrol. He mostly slept at petrol stations because he thought they were safe and had toilets where he could shower.

Loi added that he lived alone after he divorced his wife, and his children had left home to build their families. He wanted to enjoy the beach and sea at least once in his life and this motivated him to embark on this epic journey to Koh Chang in Trat.

Loi told the reporter that his main concern was his aging motorcycle, which he feared could break down unpredictably. He mentioned that he had previously embarked on motorcycle trips from his home to the northern province of Chiang Rai and was hopeful for a successful journey this time.

 

The reporter observed that Loi's motorcycle was laden with plastic bottles and recyclable items. They were collected by Loi, who intended to sell them to finance his dream trip. Attached to his motorcycle was a small sign, handwritten by Loi.

 

It said…

“I am an old man on a journey from Ubon Ratchathani to Trat. I am collecting rubbish along the way to earn money for the journey. This old man welcomes any support from you. Thank you for supporting me.

 

Freshly grilled seafood and five-star hotels

 

Loi's inspiring story gained traction on Thai social media, garnering support from petrol station attendants and locals throughout his journey until he reached Trat on March 8. Loi told the media that he would taste the sea water, to see whether it was salty as others had told him.

Locals in Trat together with the Trat Tourism Council were looking forward to welcoming Loi. He got a free ferry trip from the province's mainland to Koh Chang. The owner of a seafood restaurant, 58 year old Pichit Wongpaikorn, offered grilled seafood to Loi for free as a welcome meal.

 

Loi stayed on the island for three days and got free accommodation from two five-star hotels, Marina Sands Resort Koh Chang and the Aiyapura Resort.

 

Loi enjoyed a boat trip, dancing and fire shows, and multiple Koh Chang signature dishes. The pictures and videos of Loi running and playing in the sea were shared on Thai social media , and all netizens were happy for him.

 

Loi extended his beach adventure to another island, Koh Kood, today, March 11, before journeying back home on his trusty sidecar motorcycle. Channel 3 reported that numerous hotels and restaurants generously supported him, striving to ensure his inaugural beach excursion became the highlight of his life.

 

It is heartening to witness Loi's dream materialize. Many elderly individuals in Thailand may harbor similar aspirations but encounter financial hurdles.

 

ThaiRath reported that the majority of elderly Thai citizens are ill-prepared for retirement, facing low incomes and inadequate savings. Furthermore, the country provides limited welfare support for its elderly residents.

 

Only 5% of the elderly population earn enough to save, with the majority either continuing to work post-retirement or relying on their children and younger family members for financial assistance.

 

 

by Petch Petpailin

Top Photo via Facebook/ TV5HD Online

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-12

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

 

Good for him.

[Bundooman]

This is one of the most heart-warming stories I have the pleasure to read in the last 20 years - here in Thailand.

Well done to this determined, innovative and interesting guy.

Well done to all those who supported him and made sure that his dream not only came true - but that they helped him to do it. 

Free of charge - accommodation and food.

The look of happiness on his face is priceless!

[Bundooman]

4 hours ago, JoePai said:

or relying on their children and younger family members for financial assistance

 

Plus of course the foreign spouses...

But nothing nice to say about the old Thai guy, eh?.

How petty and mean-minded can you get?

[Denim]

Nice story for a change with a happy ending ......pleasant conclusion.

[Liverpool Lou]

5 hours ago, JoePai said:

or relying on their children and younger family members for financial assistance

 

Plus of course the foreign spouses...

Gawd...

[Phil1964]

That's a lovely story and an experience he can cherish and enthusiastically recount to his family, no doubt.

 

 

[Gottfrid]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Loi added that he lived alone after he divorced his wife, and his children had left home to build their families. He wanted to enjoy the beach and sea at least once in his life and this motivated him to embark on this epic journey to Koh Chang in Trat.

Maybe his children could have been giving him  for the bus and 2 night in a guest house.

[Hummin]

5 hours ago, JoePai said:

or relying on their children and younger family members for financial assistance

 

Plus of course the foreign spouses...

Went up on the wrong foot today? 

 

Sorry for your situation, must be tough to have those burden in your life, support parents younger than your self. 😁

 

Great story and adventure going viral in Thailand

Edited March 12 by Hummin

[Hummin]

17 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

Maybe his children could have been giving him  for the bus and 2 night in a guest house.

Half of the journey is making a plan and the journey doing it. Cant complain about the outcome and experience he had.

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Loi added that he lived alone after he divorced his wife, and his children had left home to build their families. He wanted to enjoy the beach and sea at least once in his life and this motivated him to embark on this epic journey to Koh Chang in Trat.

Cross that off the bucket list... 

[Tropicalevo]

25 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

Maybe his children could have been giving him  for the bus and 2 night in a guest house.

Maybe his children didn't know?

[Hummin]

4 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

Maybe his children didn't know?

Maybe he had falled out with his kids. 

 

Not unusual for an Thai man, where mom is favorized. 

[josephbloggs]

6 hours ago, JoePai said:

or relying on their children and younger family members for financial assistance

 

Plus of course the foreign spouses...

What an absolutely beautiful story, and so typical that the first reply is a negative one. Really, how pathetic and bitter.

Edited March 12 by josephbloggs

[Tropicalevo]

5 minutes ago, Hummin said:

Maybe he had falled out with his kids. 

 

Not unusual for an Thai man, where mom is favorized. 

I agree.

It happened to me when I left my first wife. Kids didn't speak to me until they really grew up and realised what she was really like and that I was not that Ogre.

[brianthainess]

Welcome to Koh Chang mate, if I see you around i'll shout you a meal + beer. Hope you got enough for the ferry, when you want to leave. Plenty of re-cyclable stuff here.

[richard_smith237]

Just now, brianthainess said:

Welcome to Koh Chang mate, if I see you around i'll shout you a meal + beer. Hope you got enough for the ferry, when you want to leave. Plenty of re-cyclable stuff here.

 

Recyclable laptops perhaps, so he can set up an AN account and read your promise of a meal + beer ??... 

 

Nice sentiment though - it would be nice to bump into the old fella and shout up a meal and beer for him 

 

 

[Hummin]

Next thing he is showing up on one of the spo sponsored tv shows telling his lifestory, showered with money, new side car motorbike + more.

 

 

[zyphodb]

2 hours ago, Hummin said:

Next thing he is showing up on one of the spo sponsored tv shows telling his lifestory, showered with money, new side car motorbike + more.

 

 

 

I think I'd be a shame if someone didn't get him a better motorsy to put his sidecar on...

[stargrazer9889]

I doubt that most posters on this forum have been to rural Thailand.

I went to Udon Thani, then past a couple villages, to a small remote

village. Only the village head chief, and a local businessman had houses with paint on them,                    and the teachers quarters on the schools second floor were nice inside.

My sponsered foster family did not even have their own rain barrel by their house, so I paid a worker

to build them one, terracotta style. Some farm places would surprise all of you

with their simple homes and life style.

[Gottfrid]

6 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

Maybe his children didn't know?

 

5 hours ago, Hummin said:

Maybe he had falled out with his kids. 

 

Not unusual for an Thai man, where mom is favorized. 

So both above basically means bad or ignorant kids

[persimmon]

" Going to taste the water to see if it was salty " ....good job he didn`t choose Patts , he`d probably be in hospital now .

More seriously , makes you realise how fortunate we are on here - able to travel internationally and buy expensive airline tickets . I hope he gets loads of sponsored freebies including a new bike .

[Hummin]

34 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

 

So both above basically means bad or ignorant kids

Thats something we do not know! Dependes how he treated the mother and kids, and how much support he gave them. Some Thai men is not known for caring to much off his offspring after leaving the family. 

 

Mom useally gets all the love

 

Anyway just speculations

[gomangosteen]

6 hours ago, brianthainess said:

Welcome to Koh Chang mate, if I see you around i'll shout you a meal + beer. Hope you got enough for the ferry, when you want to leave. Plenty of re-cyclable stuff here.

Been and gone, he's being entertained, fed and accommodated here in Chanthaburi tonight after his interview for CTV Chanthaburi (wearing a Tourism Trat polo shirt).

 

Earlier, he was photographed at Tuek Daeng the old French barracks building, and on the Taksin Maharat bridge at Laem Sing.

 

Hope he makes it home safely - may get more provincial hospitality along the way.