60-year-old woman walk from Udon Thani to Bangkok with Down daughter

BANGKOK: -- A 60-year-old woman has started walking from Udon Thani to Bangkok, pushing along her 20-year-old Down Syndrome daughter in a cart.

Pornpimol Rue-opart said she has no relatives in Udon Thani after her husband died. So she would like to return to stay with her relatives in Bangkok and find a way to make her living and taking care of heir helpless daughter.

She said she could not afford the travelling cost so she decided to walk.

She has walked for three days at the average speed of 11 kilometres a day and has not yet exit Udon Thani.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/60-year-old-woman-walk-from-Udon-Thani-to-Bangkok--30244020.html


-- The Nation 2014-09-24

Don't Thai nationals still have access to free transport by train in 3rd class? Somehow this story does not compute.

I wish I knew where she is to go and get her to BKK.

This is a heartbreaking story

A troll post has been removed.

Yes they do!

Mrs. Poohy a notorious "tight wad" caught one from Phrachaup about a year ago as it was free. Oddly despite monthly travels back to Bangkok , she has never taken it again.!!

I wish this women well, whatever her reason for doing this, and as they say all publicity is good publicity

No Thai helping in the Buddhist way?

I seem to remember the last few high profile cases of extreme hardship were able to get a very serious sponsor, after achieving notoriety in the press.

I wish this woman and her daughter well, and hope for the best for them.

I wish I knew where she is to go and get her to BKK.

This is a heartbreaking story

Me too, it's heartbreaking to read this.....

Assuming it's true, of course.

Thailand, the new hub of oldies looking for support for their young kids......... bacause, in fact, real mummy and daddy (their own kids) dumped grandkids on them!

"... find a way to make her living and taking care of heir helpless daughter."

I understand the challenges this mother has and wish her the best of luck.

My issue is with the article and the archaic attitude that a person who has Downs Syndrome is considered helpless. For a while in the past, I worked as a vocational trainer for individuals diagnosed with "mental challenges", including those diagnosed with Downs Syndrome. A vast majority were able to receive vocational training and work at jobs in their communities. Most worked in the hotel industry as house cleaners and running dish washing machines. They were also able to succeed living in non institutional settings with the help of support.

Admittedly, it took extra training to achieve vocational success and daily support of visiting counselors to help with the challenges of independent living (Organizing the living quarters, cooking, paying bills etc.).

They were in need of extra services, but very far from being helpless. In fact, instead of using taxpayers money to support them in an institutional setting, they contributed to the economy. Unfortunately many countries in the third world and for that fact, communities in the west continue to to treat individuals with certain diagnosed disabilities as "helpless". Which is far from their realistic potentials.

Assuming it's true, of course.

Thailand, the new hub of oldies looking for support for their young kids......... bacause, in fact, real mummy and daddy (their own kids) dumped grandkids on them!

I wish her luck. She's the same age as me and I'd complain about driving it. I assume they must be getting given food on the way?

She could be her daughter but I wouldn't be surprised if your theory is correct. The extended family is a good idea and can work well but I get the feeling that sometimes it's abused.

The cynical side of me thinks if they could pretend to be men, shave their heads and wear robes they could get to Bangkok much quicker.

This story really gets to me...she has walked for 3 days and has not managed to leave her home town yet...at this rate she is not likely to make BKK if someone does not help...

Isn't there still a program on Thai television showing people in extremely needy circumstances, and giving the public the chance to donate, which they do indeed? Sounds easier than what these two are doing now.

Sad

This story really gets to me...she has walked for 3 days and has not managed to leave her home town yet...at this rate she is not likely to make BKK if someone does not help...

I worked it out at over 50 days assuming she walks every day. I think the statement about not having got out of Udon yet might refer to the province.

I'm sure there must be some way to help her. I hope there are updates about this.

I wish I knew where she is to go and get her to BKK.

This is a heartbreaking story

Maybe now that her plight has made the news, more people will recognise them on the road, and give them a ride.

I'm sure there are good Samaritans out there.

In fact, why are the reporters doing anything? Surely someone had to meet the lady to get her story.

I don't mean to be sceptical but something does not seem right. Even the way it was reported. Very poor journalism, or was the story cooked up just to stir up emotions and gain publicity for the website?

Thee was a picture of her boarding the train with her daughter in the Thai press today after someone hearing the story bought her a train ticket.

It's slow going when you're 60 and pushing a cart (her daughter is inside the cart) to Bangkok

Thee was a picture of her boarding the train with her daughter in the Thai press today after someone hearing the story bought her a train ticket.

a bit faster for the mother/daughter

Why don't the monks help these people from there vicinity , jeezus they have got millions stashed away , isn't this what religious orders a part of , helping the needy.

Assuming it's true, of course.

Thailand, the new hub of oldies looking for support for their young kids......... bacause, in fact, real mummy and daddy (their own kids) dumped grandkids on them!

I wish her luck. She's the same age as me and I'd complain about driving it. I assume they must be getting given food on the way?

She could be her daughter but I wouldn't be surprised if your theory is correct. The extended family is a good idea and can work well but I get the feeling that sometimes it's abused.

The cynical side of me thinks if they could pretend to be men, shave their heads and wear robes they could get to Bangkok much quicker.

I must say, you look incredibly fit for your age kimamey!