Isaan broke me: Rural Thailand

A phone call from the Thai village in Isaan came at a bad time for me. Grandma's roof collapsed. I diverted money from the Pattaya house repairs to Isan to try and quickly build the family new shelter.

UPDATE:
I've now left the village and made it to Cambodia for my visa renewal trip. The outpouring of love from viewers has been monumental. Donations in the last 48 hours amounted to over $1000aud. I am feeling so humbled. Lele is staggered. The contributions from you generous souls will fund the completion of the ceiling on the new farm house and fund 5 new beds and other furniture.

As for the DOG, I've left cash with the most reliable auntie. She can be seen in the footage working out in the field. She's the one most capable of providing care now for the dog. She runs a corn farm down the road, has her own income and will spend the money on the dog and not elsewhere. He's a Soi dog and will not let anyone touch him or put him in a car. Painkillers and a course of anti-biotics will have to suffice for now. At the time of writing this he's walking effectively on 3 legs and ceased whimpering. The next video I'm editing right now will introduce you to Lele's dad's side of the family, their flourishing farm business and their warm & loving home life.

I've sent emails and messages to the generous people who donated but a big THANK YOU to everyone who watched and commented is also in order. We've been able to resolve the issues mentioned in the original video description and I hope this marks the end of the turmoil. Onwards and upwards

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💰Support💰

[michaelthegreat]

Sorry to hear about the misfortune of the kids place, I know you are probably gone now, but could you get some of that expandable foam stuff for the gaps in the roof to the wall you mentioned.

I have a question and more to your girl friend than yourself, and please don't take this any way but a genuine question, but would the kids have a better pathway to a better career or future if they were living in a city rather than a rural area ? it is for economical reasons they are there, just a question not judging,

[robshanks]

Y'all stay strong and persevere!!

[franksaunders]

Quite a moving video, Sam! Family is everything and families in Thailand stick together.

[gordon.Jacko]

I think they should call The place insane for all the Westerners that get caught up 😫

[deekthetrucker]

Kudos to you mate for just dropping things and going to the rescue of others in need 👍🙏🙏🙏

[thefightbyfriday]

Loved this one. Going to Issan next time I come over to see Girl Friends village and meet the family.

[douangphanthavong]

You’re a good man brother!
Best wishes to all of you!

[MattSmith-qncv]

Hopefully it will work out and everything will be okay
You and Lele are doing your best, looking after the family up north

[lordrossco]

Keep smiling Sam It is really tough on LeLe and you but the kids need you too

[RoOnTheGo]

It's very nice to see what you're doing

[Gomakestuffaustralia]

Mate what can I say, You are the man !!!

[HappyBill-ij]

I also live in Isaan. From my observation there are many children growing up without a mother and father due to various reasons. It's great to grow up as a kid in rural Isaan but when you become a teenager there can be the wrong kind of peer group to hang out with. I feel your frustration, there is always some relative in need and you want to help but we are not millionaires.

[mactvtravel]

very good of you to help those guys sam a true gentleman right here guys

[ScepticFrog]

You came up on my feed. I watched this video. I live in NE Thailand and have seen it all. Those kids all have phones. Please be careful what you spend. I bet the reason the family are "jealous" is because the new house is built on land that they all have a share in. That's the Issan way. Dont feel guilty thinking that they have a tough life, its their choice. Remember that.. In all honesty its the kids I feel sorry for as they are destined to copy and paste what they see in the village..

And the build quality nah that's crap, local people done that. You CAN get much better. Don't involve the family, believe me.

[matthewfriedewald]

I truly hope things turn around for all of you brother.... safe journey

[EarthCamper]

Hopefully everything will works out for the boy's future.

[mickyLat]

It is certainly an eye opener & very humbling to spend time in a primitive place in Isan.
I have experienced it quite a bit over the years.
Everyone knows where you go & what you do.
I have experienced it quite a bit over the years.
I must admit too that I love the feeling of freedom without a helmet.
Cheers

[HaklGuru]

Much respect, brother!

Good on both of you. Imagine if you didn’t show up to help.

Family first.

[gravy_brain]

Good on ya mate. Having spent time in rural Buriram province Thailand, and also Prey Veng province in Cambodia, i know how it is. Beautiful people simply living, who could use so many things that we take for granted. And they are so willing to share what little they have with us.

[DurkaDurkaskibop]

I think they purposefully leave the gap between the walls in the ceiling for ventilation.