A desperate young man with a university degree is unemployed and takes his younger brother, a high school senior, to scavenge food from trash bins at night to sustain their three lives. Their mother is ill after being hit by a motorized cart driver who fled the scene. Their water and electricity were cut off, so they rely on a gas station's bathroom.
On 25 Sep 2023 GMT+7, reports emerged of a heartbreaking family of three. The elder brother, a law graduate, lost his job and could not find new work. He took his 19-year-old younger brother, who just finished high school, to scavenge food from trash bins near restaurants and convenience stores at night to sustain their mother and themselves. The family has no income and has had their water and electricity cut off for about two months, making life extremely difficult.
Following this story, on 24 Sep 2023 GMT+7, a reporter visited a village in Bang Bua Thong district, Nonthaburi province, and met Mr. B (pseudonym), 19, a high school senior and the younger brother. He revealed their desperate situation: three family members—mother, elder brother, and himself—live together. The elder brother, the family's main provider, became unemployed and could not find new work. Their mother was injured in a collision with a motorized cart and cannot work. Their water and electricity were cut off about two months ago, leaving them without utilities or income to buy food. Thus, his elder brother decided to take him scavenging from restaurant and convenience store trash bins to find food to survive during this crisis.
Mr. B said that although their family life is difficult, he does not blame the economy alone. It is an unfortunate period for their family, forcing him and his elder brother to scavenge trash, which they have done for only about a week. Before this, life was not as hard. They do this to find food to survive while waiting for jobs. Both brothers are actively searching for work; the elder brother has applied for jobs but has not been hired yet and continues applying.
When scavenging, they walk along trash bins in front of restaurants and convenience stores on their routes, finding leftover food. Although many people consider this dirty, the brothers see it as edible food to sustain themselves until they can find jobs. Once employed, they will no longer need to scavenge. They avoid asking for food at temples because they feel this method does not burden others—it is a temporary survival strategy while waiting for work. They manage to find enough food for three meals daily from trash bins, sharing it equally within the family.
Mr. B added that the water and electricity cutoffs caused hardship but they have begun adjusting and getting used to it. He charges his mobile phone outside and uses free Wi-Fi. They still have some drinking water in their tank. With utilities cut for two months, they rely on the gas station bathroom for hygiene, having grown accustomed to the walk. While this might seem difficult to others, their family has adapted. The elder brother graduated with a university degree but remains unemployed; Mr. B has finished high school and is trying to find work. Though he has not continued education yet, he hopes to study and work simultaneously if given the chance.
When asked what help they need, Mr. B said that if kind adults could help reconnect their water and electricity, life would improve. Their unpaid water bill is about 3,000–4,000 baht before disconnection, and electricity about 7,000–8,000 baht. He would be very grateful for any assistance but does not want to trouble anyone. Their family is currently adjusting to survive. He also said he does not want this story to attract negative criticism from those who do not understand their situation.
Police Sergeant Phukit Phetkhong, head of the investigation team at Bang Bua Thong Police Station and owner of the Facebook page "Nightmare Bang Phlu 122," who posted the story, said that on the night of 23 Sep 2023 GMT+7 at about 02:30, while on patrol near Chanthong Aiem alley, he saw the two brothers scavenging food. Although he had seen them previously feeding cats, their faces were unfamiliar. Upon asking, they said they were taking the food to eat. He was shocked, realizing the food might be unsanitary.
After inquiry, he learned the brothers had been unemployed for two months and had applied for jobs with no success. Their 58-year-old mother cannot work due to health problems from an accident. The eldest brother is the family's pillar. Their parents separated long ago. The food they scavenge is also shared with their mother. They do this every other day. They have some savings but must be frugal. Most money comes from collecting and selling scrap paper, bottles, and household items. Their home is nearly empty.
Sergeant Phukit said he stayed with them until 5 a.m. at a gas station to recharge their phones. After learning their address, he gave them a ride home on his motorcycle. The brothers asked to keep their identities private. He planned to follow up but could not reach them later as their phone was off, likely due to battery drain. He left food and supplies outside their house, not wanting to intrude, but heard from their mother that the brothers would go out to find food today.
He expressed deep sympathy, noting that such situations should not exist in a big city. Homeless people often receive some help despite concerns about misuse, but he cannot ignore this family's plight. He posted their story because their needs exceed his ability to assist. The eldest brother has interned with local agencies and tried to take exams but faced financial and personal challenges. The younger brother used to do homework for others to earn money. The eldest brother's unemployment caused the family's collapse. He hopes this post will encourage others to help.