Nang, a migrant worker from Myanmar, has called Thailand home for over 20 years. She lives with her husband and two children, a 15-year-old son and an 11-year-old daughter, both students in Chiang Rai.
A few years ago, she knew she wanted to do more to support her community, a migrant population very vulnerable to human trafficking and labor abuses. She has worked as a volunteer with The Freedom Story within the migrant community, helping bridge cultural and linguistic divides and providing crucial support to others like herself.
She has been an incredible part of our team, helping to ensure her community has the support they need to access their rights with the Thai government. This includes essential things like social security, government health insurance, and reporting labor abuses.
On September 11th, the unthinkable happened. Rising floodwaters filled Nang’s family’s rented home so quickly that within an hour, water levels surged from ankle to knee height. Despite efforts to block the water, their home was soon inundated, damaging nearly all their possessions.
The losses were devastating: a car they had purchased just a month earlier, traditional clothing from Myanmar, three sewing machines, appliances, two motorcycles, school uniforms and supplies were all destroyed. Irreplaceable items, including her children’s identification documents, family photos, important records, certificates of her interpreter training, and proof of her work, were lost in an instant.
Nang’s family are not Thai citizens, so they are not eligible for government relief, leaving them stranded. Migrant families and children are among the most vulnerable in Thailand, as they “lack [of] access to [these] social safety nets, language barriers and low economic and social status contribute to the vulnerability of children to different forms of trafficking, especially sexual exploitation”, explains ECPAT international.
To make the terrible situation worse, Nang’s husband had to take time off of work to help his family recover. His employer, whose business had also been affected by the flooding, ultimately let him go. Now, the responsibility of recovery falls on her shoulders.
Forced to relocate, she has found a new rental home and is working to replace school supplies and clothes for her family, piece by piece. Her car was insured, but she now faces a long wait due to the overwhelming demand for repairs.
Through it all, Nang remains hopeful. “As long as I am alive,” she says, “there is always hope for rebuilding a better future for my family.” Her determination and resilience inspire everyone around her, and her community, and The Freedom Story is rallying to provide support as she rebuilds.
Help Families Like Pee Nang’s Recover
The loss is immense, but with your support, families like Nang’s can begin to rebuild. Every donation helps us provide essentials and support for migrant families affected by the flood. Donate Now to make a difference in the lives of those facing the greatest hardships.
