On November 19, 2023, I traveled with a group of determined student volunteers to the Sena District of Ayutthaya to paint the home of Khun Caejiw, a resident whose house had been left unpainted for over two years after construction. As Habitat for Humanity club members, we were motivated to work together to refurbish Khun Caejiw’s home.
We familiarized ourselves with the necessary equipment, spent the morning painting the house's exteriors, and painted the interiors in the afternoon. Then, we cleaned up and washed the paint rollers and other materials in the evening. Amidst our efforts, the members and I got to talk to the locals living in the neighborhood, including Khun Caejiw. I learned that she has lived in the Sena district for over 20 years, but her home conditions were very poor, and neither she nor her family could afford to improve them. The Habitat for Humanity organization built this house for her several years ago that we painted. Now, her home, with blue walls and a light blue interior, contains much more color and positive light, enhancing the living environment for her and her family.
Khun Caejiw told me in Thai that she was glad to see students like ourselves coming to help and uplift rural communities. Her words of appreciation were a poignant reminder of the importance of helping others whenever and wherever possible. She made me realize that what is most important is not the scale of our actions but the intention behind them. This inspired me to carry on the lesson that every effort counts, whether big or small.
While this experience in the Sena district was impactful, it has also prompted me to question the systemic issues underlying housing inequality in Thailand and the broader socio-economic factors at play. In terms of housing, how can we address root causes and implement sustainable solutions that target the disparities in access to adequate housing? Habitat for Humanity Thailand’s goal is to improve access to adequate housing in Thailand; I am motivated to explore additional ways to support these communities in Thailand, such as engaging in more frequent community service initiatives and ensuring that what we do is meaningful.