In a twist of fate, life has thrown a curveball at a Thai woman, Som (alias), who now finds herself on a quest for justice and stability. After her ex-husband came out as gay, Som is left grappling with the responsibility of raising their two daughters and the daunting task of repaying a colossal debt exceeding one million baht. Her story has compelled her to step into the public eye, sharing her family plight on the Channel 3 talk show, Hone Krasae, on June 5, seeking advice and urging her ex to shoulder his share of the burden.
Som’s tale began in the corridors of a university where love blossomed over textbooks and youthful dreams. For 15 years, she stood by her husband, only for the romance to sour and the relationship to come crashing down amidst revelations of his changing sexual orientation. The couple’s harmony started to wither in 2019, around the tumultuous onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. In pursuit of financial security during the crisis, they journeyed through job shifts—Som from the comfort of home, her husband in a bustling office. But then came the forks in their path: separate beds, he claimed, to shield Som and their daughters, now 16 and five, from any unwelcome germs.
Channeling the detective inside her, a suspicious Som secretly delved into her husband’s communication—his phone, and notably, his LINE messaging app. The clues unraveled a relationship he kindled with another man. Choosing silence over confrontation, Som hoped to preserve family stability, accepting his truth while he, at the time, continued to uphold his roles as a father and partner.
However, the twists kept coming. Som unearthed more disturbing truths, including his multiple affairs with men and internet history revealing inquiries about HIV symptoms and medication. It was her breaking point. Armed with this knowledge, she confided first in his father, then in him, offering understanding and support if they could still co-parent effectively. They ventured through an official divorce, crafting agreements on loan repayments and parenting duties. Yet, promises quickly faded as he vanished, leaving behind unpaid bills and unmet responsibilities.
Survival now means Som must juggle three jobs—a corporate employee, a food delivery rider, and a food vendor—to make ends meet. The weight grows heavier with each passing day, exacerbated by her ex-father-in-law’s battle with terminal cancer. Attempts to locate her elusive ex-husband have been in vain; he remains unreachable, his ghostly absence a constant presence in their lives. Driven by desperation, Som has now turned to the media, pleading for accountability and assistance.
The host of Hone Krasae, Kanchai “Noom” Kamnerdploy, floated an idea—sell the family home to alleviate financial strains. Yet Som clings to it, seeing it as a beacon of hope and security for her daughters’ futures. As battles with financial hardship rage on, she finds herself at a crossroads, battling to balance past dreams with present realities.
Back in the world outside her troubles, news stories continue to evolve at a breakneck pace—from environmental concerns in Phuket to financial scandals across Thailand. But Som’s narrative speaks to a personal saga, about resilience and the relentless pursuit of dignity amidst adversity. In her struggle lies not just a plea for justice, but a testament to the strength and tenacity of those left to navigate the complexities of family and forgiveness when life doesn’t go according to plan.
I feel so sorry for Som. It’s so unfair that she’s left to handle everything on her own while her ex just vanishes!
True, but she should have confronted him earlier. Keeping quiet only prolonged the problem.
That’s easy to say now, but you never know how you’d react in her position.
It’s a tough spot for anyone. Her silence might have been her way of coping with everything at first.
Selling the house might be a good idea. Why hang onto a place that’s drowning in debt?
A home is more than just walls and a roof; it’s a symbol of stability, especially for her kids.
I get that, but practical solutions sometimes hurt. Stability can come from getting rid of that debt.
Why is nobody talking about the importance of mental health support for her?
As much as her ex is to blame, why take on a million baht debt in the first place?
Debt can accumulate quickly, especially in a crisis. It’s more complex than simple blame.
Nobody should have to work three jobs to survive. The system is broken.
That’s modern life for you. It’s a struggle, but many are dealing with the same issues globally.
True, but surely there are better support systems we could have in place for everyone?
I admire Som’s strength. She’s fighting an uphill battle but remains resilient.
Agreed, but at what cost? It’s taking a toll on her health and wellbeing.
Shouldn’t her ex also be held accountable legally for shirking his duties?
Her ex sounds like he had no choice but to hide his true self for years, but zero responsibility for his family? That’s just cowardly.
Som should try reaching out to community services for assistance.
Easier said than done. Community resources are stretched thin in many parts of the world.
It’s really a shame how her father-in-law, being terminally ill, complicates this even further.
Indeed, adds another layer of complexity to an already tragic situation.
Honestly, her husband running away shows his lack of character.
Her story is a reminder of how empathy is needed for everyone, even if their choices aren’t ideal.
Yes, understanding both sides is critical, even if we disagree with their actions.
Their downfall started with something as simple as sleeping separately. Communication is key!
I think Som will emerge stronger from all this. Hard times have a way of doing that.
We can only hope! She seems like she deserves a break.