In an empowering and heart-wrenching adventure, a 46-year-old Thai man named Piya has set out on an extraordinary journey to liberate himself from the clutches of cannabis addiction. Hailing from Ratchaburi, Piya is making headlines as he walks over 700 kilometers to Chiang Mai, driven by a potent blend of resilience and hope.
For the past 20 days, Piya has been traversing the roads armed with just a spare set of clothes and an indomitable spirit. To fund his daily necessities, he has embraced humility, collecting and selling empty cans to buy meals. Meanwhile, his nights are spent in various makeshift shelters, ranging from temples to the comforting arms of police stations.
The roots of Piya’s determination are deeply intertwined with the love and support of his family, particularly his 74-year-old mother and sister, who maintain daily contact via phone. Their unwavering encouragement acts as his beacon in this arduous journey. This family bond was further fortified when officials from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) Regions 5 and 6 met Piya in Sukhothai on June 9. They offered him not just words of encouragement but tangible aid: medical treatment for his injured feet, food, water, pain relief, and even a replacement for his damaged phone.
“I’ve battled various addictions in the past and managed to quit all but cannabis. I’m doing this for my family,” Piya shared, his voice resonating with sincerity and resolve. “Their love keeps me going.” With more than 400 kilometers behind him, Piya is marching towards not just a geographic goal, but towards hope itself: healthier living, a refreshed outlook, and a clean slate for building a life in Chiang Mai, away from past enticements. His vision includes securing employment and carving out a stable existence. The Bangkok Post captured his sentiment as a living testament to the human spirit’s resilience and the war against substance dependency.
In other poignant happenings, another narrative unfolds, capturing the struggles of those battling addiction. A 48-year-old man, shattered by the collapse of his marriage, turned himself in at Mueang Udon Thani Police Station on April 30, his heart heavy and eyes brimming with tears. His plea was simple yet profound—incarceration as an escape from the haunting reality of his life marred by methamphetamine use and personal turmoil. This tale serves as a stark reminder of the emotional labyrinths individuals trapped in addiction often navigate.
These stories of Piya and the heartbroken man are threads in a larger tapestry, underscoring the intensely personal yet universally relatable struggles with addiction. They highlight not just the battles with substances but also the profound psychological journeys these individuals face.
Amidst these personal sagas, Thailand continues to pulse with news—from the youthful cries for justice in Bangkok to the poignant aroma of Phuket’s landfill crisis. Piya’s journey, however, shines a beacon of inspiration, reminding us all of the power of love, tenacity, and the desire for change. As he steps closer to Chiang Mai, the city that cradles his dreams, he inspires not just a nation but the world, one step at a time.
I’m truly inspired by Piya’s journey. It’s a testament to the human spirit and resilience.
While it’s commendable, I think it’s sad he has to resort to walking 700 km just to quit weed. Shouldn’t there be better support systems?
Indeed, Angela. This really shines a light on the gaps in addiction support services.
Come on, it’s just weed! Is a 700 km walk really necessary for cannabis of all things?
Well, addiction affects everyone differently. What’s trivial to one might be monumental to another.
Piya embodies the message that we can overcome any challenge if we have determination and family support. Family is crucial.
Not everyone has a loving family to lean on. This story should push governments to create more institutional support.
This is a humanizing story. But why walk? Why not seek professional help in Ratchaburi instead?
The walk might be symbolic for him—a way to break free and start fresh in a new place.
I suppose that’s true, but still, it’s quite extreme when he could get help locally.
In contrast, the guy who turned himself in over meth shows the other end. Sometimes, people just feel lost.
So true, Marco. Addiction is so complex, and not just about the substances themselves.
Walking away from addiction isn’t a new theme. But Piya’s story connects. It shows sheer willpower inspires all!
Agreed, but it also highlights how certain cultures romanticize suffering instead of providing real solutions.
Plot twist: Piya turns back to cannabis after arriving. It’s unlikely but let’s be real. How long can this resolve really last?
That would be tragic but it could happen without proper ongoing support after this journey.
It’s interesting how Piya aims to move away from past temptations in Chiang Mai. Does changing place really change behaviors?
A new environment can definitely help, but it’s more about inner change than an outer one.
True, Michael, but sometimes we need a fresh start to find that inner change.
I can’t help but think about how the media glorifies these stories. Not everyone gets a headline for their struggles.
Good point, Zoe. It’s important to remember countless untold stories of those struggling in silence.
We need to discuss the societal failures that force individuals into such extreme actions to overcome addiction.
Can’t believe someone would walk so far for something like this. Isn’t there an easier way?
I applaud Piya. His story is motivational. Is this really about quitting weed or proving to himself that he’s stronger than his addiction?
All the best to Piya, but we can’t deny that cannabis laws remain inconsistent and outdated globally.
Sometimes, extreme commitments like these are a cry for attention. But if it works, it works!
It’s incredible how human stories like these draw empathy. But shouldn’t there be national discussion on better addiction resources?