Bangkok: An elderly couple from Sa Kaeo Province found themselves stranded outside Nang Rong Hospital in Buriram Province for two nights after running out of money. They had traveled to the hospital for a medical appointment but were left with only 25 baht, enough to buy sticky rice, which they shared. A compassionate citizen intervened by contacting rescue services to help the couple.
According to Thai News Agency, Mrs. Thueng, 68, and Mr. Rujee, 74, had journeyed from their respective districts-Pakham and Nang Rong-to seek medical treatment for chronic illnesses including heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and asthma. Their son had provided them with 400 baht for the trip, which was mostly spent on transportation to the hospital. After receiving their medication, they were left without funds to return home and decided to wait outside the hospital, hoping for their son to transfer money by August 24th. During this period, they faced severe hardship, relying on a small donation of sticky rice and food from a kind stranger to survive.
Ms. Noi Aranya, a 51-year-old woman visiting patients at the hospital, noticed the couple's plight. After speaking with them and learning of their situation, she promptly contacted the Buriram Highway Police rescue unit. The police not only transported the couple to the Nang Rong District bus station but also provided them with 500 baht. An additional 100 baht was donated by a generous individual, bringing the total assistance to 600 baht.
In a fortunate turn of events, the ticket counter informed the couple that senior citizens qualified for free travel under specific conditions. This allowed them to save money and use the assistance they received for their journey back to Sa Kaeo Province.