An about-face of a banana theft case in Yala district

[webfact]

An about-face of a banana theft case

YALA: -- An impoverished woman who was caught by police for stealing two bunches of bananas for sale in order to help feed her four children had the charge withdrawn thanks to the kind-hearted owner who also gave her some money.

The incident took place in Bannang Sata district of Yala province on November 13 but was only known to the media on Monday when a Thai Rath stringer went to the house of the woman identified as Mrs Ameenoh for an investigation.

Mrs Ameenoh said that she earned a modest income of about 100 baht a day from making charred coal and sold them at the market while her husband did not have a permanent job.

She disclosed on November 13 she had no money at all and there was no food in the house to feed the four mouths. So she decided to cut two bunches of bananas from a banana plant beside the Yala-Betong road not knowing that the plant belong to an owner. She said she hoped to sell the bananas so she earned some money to buy food for her four children aged from two to 12 years old.

Mrs Ameenoh went on saying that they were very poor and some days they went without any food to eat and their children skipped classes often because they could not afford the travelling expense.

However, the owner of the banana plant saw her cutting the banana bunches and reported the incident to the police who made the arrest and took her to Batutamong police station in Bannang Sata district. She was initially charged with theft.

After finding out Mrs Ameenoh’s hardships and poverty, the owner withdrew the charge against her and the police set her free.

The Tham Thalu tambon administration organization which learned about Mrs Ameenoh’s ordeal sent a team of officials to help install electricity in the house so the children didn’t have to rely on candles for reading at night.

Food and clothing were also given to the family thanks to the Tham Thalu TAO.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/face-banana-theft-case/

-- Thai PBS 2013-11-19

[terry101]

Even with all the faults in Thailand it is always fantastic to know there are still many people out there in this beautiful country who still cares about the fellow neighbours...

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[CIHUAHUA]

Nice story. I'm happy to know that "giving is the best way to communicate" (True Visions).

[schondie]

It's nice to read a positive story on here every now and again. Realised how poor the family was, dropping the theft charges and then giving her money, shows a little kindness goes a long way in helping someone inadvertently.

[marshall stanley]

Good story, has a wide "appeal"

[WitawatWatawit]

Some stark reality here. I mean this woman nicked a few bananas to sell for a few measly baht to feed her kids, while about 100 billion baht is expected to be creamed off the flood management scheme and 600 billion from the mega infrastructure projects. (based on the 30% estimate of corruption bandied about)

[Gandtee]

It's is like an early Christmas, Bob Cratchet and Tiny Tim good feeling story. Good for the response by the local services and the bananas owner. Nice one.

[deecee10]

Pleasing to hear a story like this instead of the usual nauseating goings-on higher up the food chain.

[PeterSmiles]

The Tham Thalu tambon administration organization which learned about Mrs Ameenoh’s ordeal sent a team of officials to help install electricity in the house so the children didn’t have to rely on candles for reading at night.

Food and clothing were also given to the family thanks to the Tham Thalu TAO.

Of course the local administration was not aware of the families situation before the story hit the newspapers

[Maestro]

Troll post about a former prime minister deleted.

[mrwallettt]

Excellent that they fixed them up with electricity but it unfortunately gives them another bill they can't afford to pay......very sad that a large portion of the population of the earth lives without enough food to eat and proper lodging!!!!!!