CHASING A BETTER LIFE

An exhibition exposes poverty not as personal failure, but a structural problem that must be fixed

- STORY: THANA BOONLERT

Over two decades ago, Mai and his family took a train from Surin to Bangkok. Like other young people, they searched for better opportunities in the big city. Initially, they helped with chores in an exchange for shelter at a shrine. Soon, he found other jobs and a place to sleep. Since then, he has delivered charcoal to shops and collected trash. He toils long, backbreaking hours for 150 baht per day.

Despite being the driving force of the city, Grandpa Mai, now in his 60s, does not yet own a house. He lives in a shanty near the Chao Phraya River. The television, a refrigerator and other pieces of furniture were donated. Unfortunately, he has now been displaced to make way for a coffee shop and is unable to return to Surin. His parents have already passed away and all of the family land was sold.

It was part of an event titled “Equal Or Fake: The Road To Inequality Of The Urban Poor”, which ran from July 15 until Aug 3. It was organised by The Active of Thai PBS and its partners to raise public awareness of an equitable city. Inspired by a documentary on Thai PBS, the event provided a platform for exchanging ideas to deepen understanding that poverty is more of a structural problem than an individual flaw.

Starting in 2021, the documentary presents struggles of people to overcome hardship. It has run for five seasons, with a total of 27 episodes. For example, Grandpa Mai and Auntie Kem wring more out of their old bodies. After losing her full-time job during Covid-19, Mali, a single mum, turned to a delivery platform. Amy and Pupaen are students who became breadwinners for their families.