It has been over two months since Thailand declared an emergency decree. While some restrictions have now been lifted, life for us will pretty much remain the same.
Schools won't open until 01 July, and when they do, the school board is talking about operating at half capacity by alternating which grades will come in. While this isn't an ideal situation for us, our kids will be okay.
We've been given the green light to open the gym on 01 June, however transporting the kids to and from the gym will be an issue. This is due to the social distancing restrictions placed by the government to try and combat the further spread of COVID-19. As you can see from this video, our truck has reached full capacity. The need to build these kids a house is pressing, especially as another monsoon season begins. If you are able to help, you can check our GoFundMe here. Alternatively, if you would like to volunteer your time or skills to our campaign, please send me a message.
Some of you may be thinking, "why is building a house in Thailand so expensive?" Well, the answer is simple. About 30% of the money raised will be used to purchase a large plot of land. The area will need to be big enough to accommodate our gym, as well as the home that will house our growing family. We've also factored in fees from GoFundMe, as well as cost contingency.
Out of all of our kids, Men is the most self-sufficient– he's also the quietest. Although he has yet to fight in Bangkok, he is on an 11 fight winning streak in Isaan, saving the majority of his earnings with us. Earlier this month, he asked me to take him to Buriram so that he could buy his dad a fridge and surprise him for his birthday. He said he wanted to get a refrigerator like ours because it keeps the food so much fresher and the freezer works. As you can imagine, this was a very proud moment for us, really making all of this worthwhile.
Muay Thai Technician has got our back
In aid to combat the devastating effects of COVID-19 in Thailand, Muay Thai Technician, aka Paul Banasiak, has set up a 'Give and Get Back Program' to help our gym through his online teaching platform. For all new members that sign up between now and 15 June, his striking academy will be donating 50% of the membership fees to at-risk youth and communities during the first three months.
The donations will be split between our gym as well as the many local gyms that we help sponsor. The money raised will go towards food, supplies, and other essentials. Muay Thai Technician has already donated 15,000 baht to our gym and has helped spread our cause to a wider audience. Paul will also be featuring Boom and our kids in his Muay Thai library. To learn more or to sign up, click on the button below.
COVID-19 Thai Art Project
After reading about the increase in suicides plaguing Thailand, due to the economic hardships faced as a direct result of the shut down of the country, partners Vickie Saunders and Roberto Fogassi decided to do something about it. The pair currently reside in Australia but have always viewed Thailand as a second home. Roberto is an illustrator and has created these beautiful limited edition Thai inspired images to sell and raise funds for those who have been the hardest hit by this pandemic.
"I've created affordable artwork inspired by the beautiful people of Thailand, to contribute to those most vulnerable in these difficult times." - Roberto Fogassi
As many of you can guess, the image of the young nak muay ying on the buffalo was inspired by the photo that Boom took of Nungning on her buffalo Gwang. For us this image is emblematic of Isaan and all the young fighters in the region – fearless, strong, patient, one with their surroundings. We absolutely loved Roberto's take on the image. It is amazing to see just how far our little gym has gym in just a short time. Digital files start for as low as 9 AUD. Additionally you can get printed and framed copy of any of the four prints available. Check out the link below to get yours!
As of today, the COVID-19 Thai Art Project has donated 12,500 baht directly into the hands of those who need it most, including Sor Puangthong Gym in Buriram. With their livelihood taken away, Sor Puangthong has been left to forage for food, and rely on the kindness of others just to get by. The husband and wife duo currently house eight children on their own. So far, they have received 4000 baht from the COVID-19 Thai Art Project. You can learn more by either going to their website, Instagram or searching the hashtag #Covid19ThaiArt on social media.
We got our kids back
One of the hardest things regarding the lockdown was being separated from some of our kids. While we know it was needed to help keep Thailand's numbers low, we were still sad to have to isolate ourselves from them. Since our gym is free, these kids don't have anything obligating them to return, such as a gym membership. Furthermore, many of our kids rely solely on us to get them to and from the gym. Like many other gyms in the area, we were afraid that our kids might not come back. It seems, however, that the bonds we have created over the years were just too strong for even COVID-19 to break.
With the ease on lockdowns, we were able to bring Focus, Muey, Captain, and Teyhan all back for training.
On other news, we were featured on Minimina's Youtube channel. Originally from Germany, Mina is a prominent Youtube vlogger in Thailand, who came by to visit back in December. She will be featuring our gym in a series of three episodes, with the first video generating over 160,000 views! Not only was this a lot of fun for us, but it was also great to see the support, especially during these are unprecedented times.
We understand that people are suffering worldwide. Please find solace in the fact that you are making a direct, impactful and positive change in these kids' lives. Remember, our gym is 100% community funded – we wouldn't be here if not for you.
We are going to get through this as a family– the only way we know how.