Christmas Cheer in a Thai Prison
For several years I have corresponded with prison penpals from around the world. Many spend a lonely Christmas and are fortunate if they receive any Christmas cards from their family. In prison, the “festive season” can be the loneliest season of all - reminding them of how far they are away from their family and loved ones.
This story from a friend I’ll call Charlie, warmed my heart as I read it - Charlie is imprisoned in harsh conditions in Thailand:-
“The prison church is asking for funds for a Christmas and New Year party. They wish to distribute essential toiletries and medication to our Christian brothers - whether Burmese, Chinese or African - so many are destitute. The church is asking everyone who can to contribute any gifts they receive from family and friends towards this cause. The importance of such altruism can’t be overemphasised, it’s effects are gratifying to the full.”
I know from his letters that my friend is often hungry, without what we would consider the essentials of life, such as toothpaste and other toiletries. He often suffers illness because of the poor diet and lack of nutritious food.
Yet, in the midst of his own need, my friend Charlie thought to consider the needs of others. The story reminded me of the widow’s mite, which though small in comparison to the donations of others, demonstrated true generosity of heart and spirit.
May we all remember the true spirit of Christmas generosity this year as we enter the festive season.
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Tags: christian, christmas, festive, free, holiday, inspirational, inspiring, prison, prisoner, story, thai, thailandTravelling in Thailand
Thailand is great value; an outstandingly beautiful country; the people are warm and welcoming; it offers a multitude of outdoor activities; it’s home to wonderful ruins of ancient kingdoms as well as present day temples; the food is out of this world and Thailand has some of the finest beaches on the planet.
Chiang Mai and its surroundings is any adventure enthusiast’s playground with a huge array of activities on offer- from outstanding mountain biking and trekking to rafting and elephant riding. You can even cycle all the way to Bangkok!
If Chiang Mai and the north are associated with adventure and activity then the south is with beaches and sunshine. The islands are split on either side of Thailand’s peninsular, with, amongst others, Phuket, Koh Lanta off the Andaman coast to the west and Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan to the east in the Gulf of Thailand.
There is of course plenty in between as well, not least the ‘City of Angels’ - Bangkok, surely one of the most vibrant city’s on the planet! So many visitors pass straight through, convinced that it offers nothing but pollution and noise. Take our advice; give it a couple of days and you’ll fall in love with the place.
In the heartland of Thailand you’ll have the opportunity to trek, explore lost kingdoms, ride elephants, walk with tigers, raft and visit, and even stay with, hill tribe people!
Nick Pulley is CEO of Selective Asia, a UK based specialist tour operator running privately guided itineraries in Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.
Visit www.selectiveasia.com for further information
Tags: adventure, bangkok, holiday, Koh Samui, thai, thailand, tours, Travelling in Thailand