[T5qYkHWQ]

This is the sweetest, most charitable post I have read in a long while. If I was a 7 year old living in the suburbs of Bangkok. I could use some school fees, books, school bag, stationaries, school uniform, shoes and a good meal.

[whimpykid]

Julie
You sound like a good persion to me, I'm from Australia, and last year I travelled to Bangkok. I walked around the centre of Bangkok and I could see the majority of people were either middle class, lower middle class and there was a small number of poor people that were not necessarily in poverty but made a living out of begging full time on the street. There were also a some very rich people in exspensive cars as well.
Then I travelled to an area just 25 klm south of the centre of bangkok, to a place called Samrong Samut Prakan, I got into the back of a friends Pick up truck and we drove past a Navy base, to a budhist Monistry just 5 minutes away, Just near this monistry there were people who lived under a Tin foof with 4 wooden posts, I started to see many homes like this, Then I asked my Thai friend what type of people live under these tin roofs, and she told me that most of these people have never been to school and can not read and write. These people mainly beg, work in factories or live off the income of working relatives for a living. I may add one other thing, I never saw any one that looks like they were starving, so every one has food in there belly, so I did not see any exstreme poverty like you see on TV, where you see pictures of starving people in Africa.
I think that the poor people who live in Bangkok under these conditions are the minority, most peole live OK, I may also add, these poor people still seemed just as happy as any one else, especially when I say hello to them in Thai.

[kucheravka]

Hello,
I also wish to send some gifts to the young lady I sponsor, thru World Vision, in Northern Thailand, who is turning 18. She is in year 10, I am told, likes dogs and table tennis and would like to be a teacher. I dont know much more.

I am thinking about sending an Encyclopedia-type book and perhaps some jewellery(necklace? bracelet?) or a watch, about $100 USD total? Any ideas, for, against?

Any ideas on the best way to send it? I'll have to try and get her address I suppose.

Many thanks, Richard.

[kucheravka]

Thanks Sawatdee,
yes I think a mostly picture book will be good. (I am thinking what would be useful towards her education/future work. For example, World Vision recommend sending pens, books etc.)
So for example a watch might be useful during her future work or education.

Your suggestion about something from home is good. I will send something, and some photos.

[betraaaus]

As far as I remember, all letters and parcels go through the World Vision office in Bangkok. They will even translate letters. A book sounds like a good idea but if she doesn't know much English it won't be of much use. However, if there are many pictures then it won't matter! It is possible to buy bilingual books that are in English and Thai.

I think if I was her I would be interested to see something from you home country / hometown. Maybe send some postcards of beautiful scenes and a cuddly koala/kangaroo. That will mean a lot more to her. A necklace or bracelet sounds good but you can buy this anywhere.