From Crisis to Courage: How One Family Found Hope After Tragedy
- Loukmeeh
- Sep 12
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 16
When a sudden earthquake and a medical emergency struck the Nuanjai family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, their world was turned upside down. Safety, income, and hope all seemed lost—but step by step, they began to rebuild their lives.
Life was never easy for Grandpa Noom, Grandma Waet, and their granddaughter Guitar. With a modest combined family income of less than $5/day, they struggled to meet basic needs. Their home had cracked walls, a leaking roof, and damaged timber. With Guitar’s parents having separated and moved on, the grandparents lovingly carried the full responsibility for care and income. Simple joys, like family outings or moments of rest, were rare, replaced by the daily effort to survive.
Then disaster struck. A powerful earthquake damaged their home, collapsing walls and caving in the roof.
The stress weighed heavily on Grandpa Noom, who soon suffered a cerebral hemorrhage requiring urgent brain surgery. Doctors warned he might never walk again. Overnight, the family lost not only their safety but also their main source of income, leaving Grandma Waet to carry the full burden alone.
When BSF and local partners stepped in, life slowly began to improve. Their home was repaired, restoring safety and stability.
The family received five frog ponds, 500 frogs, feed, and training in frog farming to generate sustainable income. Many Thais love to eat fried frog mixed with garlic, which sells for a similar price to chicken. This provides a regular income every 3-4 months. The Nuanjai family desperately wanted to raise frogs to supplement their income...their dream came true through the help of BSF support.
Guitar’s education was supported with school uniforms, school supplies, and a reading corner at home. The family had the joy of participating in fun family outings and caregiver trainings with other BSF families. Weekly visits from coordinators offered guidance and encouragement, helping the family plan for a brighter future.
"Watching my husband walk again after just two months brought me so much joy. The support we received gave us hope and strength,” said Grandma Waet.
Today, the Nuanjai family’s life has transformed. Grandpa Noom is regaining strength and independence, while Guitar continues her studies uninterrupted. They even experienced their first family outing together, a moment of joy and bonding. The frog farming business is about to generate a substantial increase in income, and the home is now safe and welcoming. From despair to resilience, the family faces the future with courage, hope, and renewed energy.
BSF is a partner for project J1079 with Australian NGO, Global Development Group (ABN 57 102 400 993). Donations to BSF through Global Development Group are tax deductible in Australia, NZ, and the USA.
Building Strong Families Foundation or มูลนิธิสร้างครอบครัวเข้มแข็ง is a registered foundation in Thailand (ชม770), approved by the Ministry of Interior.
