Korat woman, 73, abandoned with grandson

Somporn Kimnok, assistant head of Moo 10 village in Tambon Sema Yai in Nahon Ratchasima's Bang Bua Yai district, said Manee Muakpha has been abandoned by her son for over five years.

Somporn said Manee was living in a hut made of rusty iron sheets on a neighbour's land.
Her poor living conditions drew sympathy from neighbours and caught the attention of the assistant village head who tried to coordinate public help for her.
According to Somporn, Manee has been living on a monthly elderly allowance of Bt700 plus credit of Bt300 from a state welfare card.

Her son left to work in Bangkok five years ago and he has never come back.
The son broke up with his wife and left a daughter and a son for Manee to take care of. Manee said she had to send her granddaughter to stay with the girl's mother in another province because she could not afford her education. She cannot work because of her poor health.

She still takes care of the grandson, she said.
Manee said she still hopes her son will return soon.