Matt Owens Rees

Today we continue the true story, in the Beyond the Bamboo Curtain series, of Khun Yai and how the community responded when her house was burned down. We’ll see how Thai culture and the lifestyle of Thai people plays its part in events such as this.

Been round to Khun Yai’s a few times this week.

Every day, around ten neighbours turn up—some just staying for an hour or so, others lingering longer.

They help with the clear-up of the debris caused by the fire, or simply sit and chat amongst themselves.

Today, monks from the neighbouring wat came round and donated some blankets.

They don’t have money themselves. They can’t buy gifts for Khun Yai. Instead, they’ve given the family items they previously received from other members of the community.

How Thailand’s monks help the local community

The money the monks receive—from people making merit—partly goes towards the daily upkeep of the wat.

If the gifts they receive exceed their needs, they donate them to the poor or needy in the area.

There’ve been concerns that some donations and gifts have been misappropriated by monks at certain temples. Readers can explore other stories in Beyond the Bamboo Curtain about the frauds uncovered at Wat Dhammakaya.
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The monks often remind lay people that they should give generously to the wat. They are returning the help and support that the temple gave them at funerals, weddings, ordinations—or during times of difficulty.


Good deeds given gladly generate goodwill in return.

Giving is two-way. Sam nak bun kun. It’s rare to give something to a neighbour and not receive something in return at a later date.

The bank has reimbursed Khun Yai for the charred banknotes. The manager also gave her a personal donation from his own pocket.

He said he may be able to arrange a mortgage for the rebuild, but he’ll insist the new house is fully insured.

Tomorrow we’ll read about other organisations stepping in to help, including the Royal Foundation. The community will continue to help.