Uncle Yothin clarified following controversy on a TV program, affirming he will not return to his daughter or sister but wishes to stay with Director Fa until his final moments. He also revealed the total donations received in his bank account. Director Fa expressed no concern over relatives filing lawsuits.
The case involves Ms. Morakot Maphobpun, the biological sister, and Ms. Jarutthas Maphobpun, 50, or Pook, the biological daughter of Uncle Yothin, or Mr. Yothin Maphobpun, 73, a former supporting actor in many productions. They appeared on the TV program "Open Up with Phakphum" on Thairath TV yesterday (22 Oct 2023). During the program, Ms. Porntipa Supattanukul, or "Director Fa," the director of Faa Hai TV station and owner of the Thai Buddhist Art Conservation Museum, along with Mr. Yothin, phoned in to speak, leading to a verbal clash between Director Fa and Uncle Yothin's relatives, sparking renewed controversy on several issues.
Today (23 Oct 2023), reporters at Faa Hai TV station, located in Soi Thetsaban 1, Lam Luk Ka Subdistrict, Lam Luk Ka District, Pathum Thani Province, reported that Ms. Porntipa Supattanukul, or "Director Fa," together with Mr. Yothin Maphobpun, 73, held a press conference regarding the recent drama. Before addressing the controversy, Director Fa presented Uncle Yothin's bankbook, showing the latest balance of 167,396 baht in donations.
Uncle Yothin briefly expressed with a saddened face regarding the discrediting of his daughter and sister, stating he is not upset. He firmly declared his intention to stay with Director Fa until his death, even if relatives come to take him back. He has no plans to return to his previous home and expressed gratitude to Director Fa for her kindness and care, saying he has never felt such happiness and joy in his life before.
Ms. Porntipa Supattanukul, or "Director Fa," addressed the controversy following the phone-in discussion with Uncle Yothin's relatives, saying she is not worried about legal issues. She explained that the statements arose from addressing points raised by the other side, revisiting past matters despite Uncle Yothin now living a good and happy life. Given his health problems, she believes family members should communicate to find solutions and let go of past grievances.
Regarding accusations that Uncle Yothin's daughter neglected him, she questioned whether the accusers have evidence. Before the sister and daughter publicly identified themselves, the public did not know who they were. The resulting criticism requires careful consideration of all facts. Having been close to and cared for Uncle Yothin for nearly 10 days, she has heard various accounts from him and family members. However, some matters cannot be publicly disclosed as they are private family issues, and she does not wish to interfere beyond appropriate limits.
Concerning the dispute over Uncle Yothin's care, she is not intimidated if the matter proceeds through legal channels. She trusts the justice system, society, and media. She emphasized her actions aim to protect someone unable to fully communicate or argue their case. Initially, she did not expect caring for Uncle Yothin to become a public issue, intending to treat him like family motivated by merit-making beliefs and the desire to help. However, family disputes have caused concern about the impact on Uncle Yothin's mental health and well-being.
Observations show that when Uncle Yothin first came to live with her, he was more cheerful and articulate than now. Stress may be a factor affecting his mental state and health. She also noted he has urinary incontinence, which she has personally witnessed and is prepared to care for without stigma, viewing it as something to understand and not a cause for prejudice.
Family members sharing their perspectives reflect their feelings, but the key is understanding what Uncle Yothin wants, especially in his final stage of life. Although he has family, he may not truly feel understood. Uncle Yothin once told her he wants to work and earn his own living, even as a security guard. He has never blamed his daughter or sister for neglect but said he feels ashamed to return to his daughter as he was not the one who raised her.
Regarding past family relationship problems, she believes the priority now is focusing on Uncle Yothin's current living conditions and mental health, particularly given his chronic illnesses requiring proper care. Since he came to live with her, she has helped him modify behaviors, such as quitting smoking—a difficult task for regular smokers. She views Uncle Yothin as not stubborn as some think; rather, words, encouragement, and environment can affect elderly behavior and feelings.
Uncle Yothin did not say his daughter or sister were bad people but feels unable to adapt or accept the environment. She urges all parties to focus on his current care and prioritize his feelings.
Currently, Uncle Yothin has neurological and brain function issues affecting speech and communication, requiring time to respond and understand conversations, resembling a child learning to speak and regain communication skills. Medical exams found abnormalities in the left brain area. Doctors asked if he had any falls or impacts, which he denies. She has arranged a resting environment for him to meditate and exercise, installing CCTV cameras in appropriate areas for safety, excluding bathrooms and bedrooms to respect privacy. Close supervision is provided as elderly patients with health issues can have accidents if alone. During public criticism involving family members, some days she observed Uncle Yothin suffering mentally, so she tries to care for his mental health and reduce stress. Caring for an elderly person with health and communication difficulties requires understanding and cooperation from all. She cares for him like family and states that if he does not consent to returning to relatives, even if family requests, she is prepared to take responsibility for his care for life, as she said on the TV program.
Uncle Yothin took reporters to see his room, which has improved amenities including a sofa suitable for elderly people, a bed, air conditioning, fan, and TV. He simply said he has a new, larger, and more comfortable room, and thanked Director Fa for her kindness to him.