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  • Cooking with fire. The village also has electricity, but it is very expensive. Electricity is mostly used to power lights and fans, or a television set if the household has one.

On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people’s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.<br />
<br />
Some of the people work in construction, while others clean roads or restaurants. Although some of them find work on occasion, they remain poor. Lack of education makes a normal way of life with a stable income almost impossible.
    h_00015905.jpg
  • A house by the river at night.

On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people’s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.

Some of the people work in construction, while others clean roads or restaurants. Although some of them find work on occasion, they remain poor. Lack of education makes a normal way of life with a stable income almost impossible.
    h_00015899.jpg
  • The oldest lady of the house takes care of the youngest child. She usually does this all day, while the people of that house are at work. Cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the youngest children is a normal and typical day's work for her. They call her Maa, which means "mother" in Thai.

On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people’s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.
    h_00015882.jpg
  • Houses built on the banks of a small polluted river. This is one of several slums where the Lahu people live in Chiang Mai, Thailand. During heavy rains the roads flood, and the children get infections on their feet and legs. Several families live in one house, which is usually made of wood, bamboo, or bricks, with a sheet metal roof.

They learn life the hard way, and every day can be a struggle. It is a life with a visible contrast between care and discipline, where beatings and punishment do occur, but the love and compassion of family members are essential for survival.
    h_00015911.jpg
  • A portrait of King Rama IV hangs on the wall in a house. While the wall seems solid, the second floor could collapse at any minute. The quality of the houses differs, but normally it is very poor. When it rains, water seeps through cracks in the roof, and the walls and floors can have big holes.

On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people’s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.
    h_00015908.jpg
  • A boy relaxes and watches the rain from a house in the slum during the rainy season.

On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people’s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.

The children grow up in conditions that are very hard on them both mentally and physically. Many of the children have to sell flowers and are punished if they don't sell enough. They wander around for many hours during the day and night, trying to sell flowers in the roads, markets, restaurants, and bars of Chiang Mai.
    h_00015904.jpg
  • Kids out during the night trying to sell flowers in the areas with many foreigners in Chiang Mai City. Places with restaurants, markets, and bars are good places to sell, but the middle of highways are also popular spots. When the lights turn red, the children walk from car to car trying to sell flowers. One usually costs 20 baht, the equivalent of US$ 0.70.

On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people’s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.
    h_00015898.jpg
  • Two children outside one of the houses in the village. Soon they will both start in a day care center for the Lahu children. The day care is only available because of financial aid provided by people in different parts of the world. Without this support most of the children would stay in the village or start working at a very young age.

On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people’s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.
    h_00015888.jpg
  • A boy attempts to scare a younger boy while playing inside a house in the Lahu slum in Chiang Mai.

On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people’s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.

Despite this harsh reality, they are a civilized and caring community: they share with each other, families help other families, and if there is an important decision to be made, then it is made together. <br />
<br />
They learn life the hard way, and every day can be a struggle. It is a life with a visible contrast between care and discipline, where beatings and punishment do occur, but the love and compassion of family members are essential for survival.
    h_00015907.jpg
  • The polluted river in front of a house in the slum. A young boy points at a faraway airplane. These children have the chance to start school, but various issues, particularly child labor, make their education difficult.

On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people’s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.
    h_00015903.jpg
  • A boy takes care of his brother.??On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people?s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.
    h_00015901.jpg
  • Early morning in the slum. A young girl sleeps beneath a mosquito net.??On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people?s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.??Despite this harsh reality, they are a civilized and caring community: they share with each other, families help other families, and if there is an important decision to be made, then it is made together. <br />
<br />
They learn life the hard way, and every day can be a struggle. It is a life with a visible contrast between care and discipline, where beatings and punishment do occur, but the love and compassion of family members are essential for survival.
    h_00015900.jpg
  • Inside a house in the Lahu village. The kitchen is on the left side and the right serves as the washing area, where the inhabitants of the house both shower and do the dishes.

On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people’s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.
    h_00015892.jpg
  • Lahu people outside their home in a village in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people’s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.

They learn life the hard way, and every day can be a struggle. It is a life with a visible contrast between care and discipline, where beatings and punishment do occur, but the love and compassion of family members are essential for survival.
    h_00015890.jpg
  • Almost every house in the village has this kind of bamboo floor. This is a normal way to build houses amongst the Lahu people, who in their original way of life would get all their resources from the forest.

On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The slum has been there for decades.
    h_00015887.jpg
  • Christianity is one of several religions among the Lahu people. The traditional religion is polytheistic. Buddhism is also common. In this village they have a small church that they use for meetings and religious events.

On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people’s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.
    h_00015886.jpg
  • A man walks through a room inside a house in the Lahu village. Although many of the male villagers are dominant, the women and men make many decisions together. It is also very common that the men take part in daily chores such as cooking or cleaning.

On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people’s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.
    h_00015906.jpg
  • Each child gets a certain number of flowers to sell. If they don´t sell all the flowers, they risk getting beaten. They walk the city until so late that they are exhausted the following day at school.??On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people?s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.
    h_00015896.jpg
  • Preparing food for the family. Rice and water are the basic foods in the village as they are nutritious and cheap. Fish, noodles, and vegetables are also part of their diet. Pork and chicken are not as common because they are more expensive, but they are sometimes on the menu when the villagers have a little money to spare.??On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people?s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.
    h_00015893.jpg
  • Friends play inside a house in the Lahu village in Chiang Mai. The village consists of altogether 22 houses.

On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people’s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.
    h_00015891.jpg
  • A young boy sleeps in the arms of his "mother" during the day in the Lahu village.

On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people’s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.
    h_00015889.jpg
  • A stray dog under a house in the Lahu village, with the polluted river in the background.

On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people’s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.
    h_00015885.jpg
  • A sick man rests during the daytime. Nobody knows why he is sick, and going to the hospital is too expensive and risky because he has no Thai papers. Those without Thai papers face many problems. It's more difficult to get a job, and they are targeted for harassment more easily.

On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people’s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.

Despite this harsh reality, they are a civilized and caring community: they share with each other, families help other families, and if there is an important decision to be made, then it is made together. <br />
<br />
They learn life the hard way, and every day can be a struggle. It is a life with a visible contrast between care and discipline, where beatings and punishment do occur, but the love and compassion of family members are essential for survival.
    h_00015883.jpg
  • A young girl playing princess in the Lahu slum. In a rather poor neighborhood, this is not a common sight.??On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people?s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.
    h_00015910.jpg
  • Punishment and beatings do occur in the village, but not in every home. The contrast between discipline and care is very visible.

On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people’s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.
    h_00015909.jpg
  • Family and friends gather to talk and play after sunset. Although they live in a difficult situation, they remain civilized. Their love and care for each other is essential for survival.

On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people’s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.
    h_00015902.jpg
  • Children getting some rest and something to drink in the area where they sell flowers during the evening and night. They start selling flowers at a very young age, as young as 6 years old.

On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people’s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.
    h_00015897.jpg
  • Early morning. A girl sleeps before it´s time for the day care center.

On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people’s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.
    h_00015895.jpg
  • Maa and a young boy in the kitchen doorway.

On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people’s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.
    h_00015894.jpg
  • Clothes hanging out to dry by the polluted river. During heavy rain the water rises above this level and almost all the way into the houses.

On the banks of a polluted river, in poorly-built houses, live more than a hundred people from the Lahu tribe. They live in a slum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, away from the Lahu people’s original way of life. Usually, the Lahu people get their resources from the forest. The slum has been there for decades.
    h_00015884.jpg
  • Kim's hand on the railing of his bed. On May 14, 2010 during the political disturbance between Red Shirts and army personnel in Bangkok, Thailand, Kim was shot three times while walking to a 7-Eleven to pay his family's bills. He was rushed to Kluay Nam Thai Hospital for life-saving surgery. The most dangerous bullet entered close to his spinal cord and penetrated his lung; it was removed during surgery, but the damage it caused resulted in breathing problems, paralysis, and other severe health issues. The second bullet had not penetrated very deeply and was easier to remove. However, due to the large amount of blood Kim had lost, the doctor considered further surgery too risky: the third bullet had to remain in his body.
    h_00017289.jpg
  • Kim passed away on February 23, 2012 at the age of 55. He leaves behind his wife and three children. The cause of death was a combination of physical weakness and a pulmonary infection. No one has been held accountable for the shooting of Kim. On May 14, 2010 during the political disturbance between Red Shirts and army personnel in Bangkok, Thailand, Kim was shot three times while walking to a 7-Eleven to pay his family's bills. He was rushed to Kluay Nam Thai Hospital for life-saving surgery. The most dangerous bullet entered close to his spinal cord and penetrated his lung; it was removed during surgery, but the damage it caused resulted in breathing problems, paralysis, and other severe health issues. The second bullet had not penetrated very deeply and was easier to remove. However, due to the large amount of blood Kim had lost, the doctor considered further surgery too risky: the third bullet had to remain in his body.
    h_00017287.jpg
  • Kim in his bed at Mahesak Hospital, Bangkok. On October 20, 2011, more than 17 months after the shooting, Kim needed surgery again. At this point he frequently had cramps in his body, along with severe pain in the shoulder and neck area. As the muscles in his back had atrophied drastically, he could not move his body like before. The doctor discovered that the cause of the pain was one of his neck vertebrae putting pressure on nearby nerves. After surgery Kim returned home, but it was not long before he developed respiratory problems and was taken to the hospital yet again. On November 9, 2011 he was placed on a ventilator in the intensive care unit because of his breathing difficulties. At this point Kim could neither move nor talk; he had nothing to communicate with but his eyes and a mouth with no words.
    h_00017286.jpg
  • Kim at Mahesak Hospital in Bangkok. At this point he was paralyzed from the neck down and could neither speak nor breathe. On May 14, 2010 during the political disturbance between Red Shirts and army personnel in Bangkok, Thailand, Kim was shot three times while walking to a 7-Eleven to pay his family's bills. He was rushed to Kluay Nam Thai Hospital for life-saving surgery. The most dangerous bullet entered close to his spinal cord and penetrated his lung; it was removed during surgery, but the damage it caused resulted in breathing problems, paralysis, and other severe health issues. The second bullet had not penetrated very deeply and was easier to remove. However, due to the large amount of blood Kim had lost, the doctor considered further surgery too risky: the third bullet had to remain in his body.
    h_20120110-AW-0017.jpg
  • Kim doing exercises in bed at home. On May 14, 2010 during the political disturbance between Red Shirts and army personnel in Bangkok, Thailand, Kim was shot three times while walking to a 7-Eleven to pay his family's bills. He was rushed to Kluay Nam Thai Hospital for life-saving surgery. The most dangerous bullet entered close to his spinal cord and penetrated his lung; it was removed during surgery, but the damage it caused resulted in breathing problems, paralysis, and other severe health issues. The second bullet had not penetrated very deeply and was easier to remove. However, due to the large amount of blood Kim had lost, the doctor considered further surgery too risky: the third bullet had to remain in his body.
    h_00017299.jpg
  • Kim having cramps while lying in bed. From the day he was shot in May 2010 until November 2011, Kim spent almost every day in his bed at home. On May 14, 2010 during the political disturbance between Red Shirts and army personnel in Bangkok, Thailand, Kim was shot three times while walking to a 7-Eleven to pay his family's bills. He was rushed to Kluay Nam Thai Hospital for life-saving surgery. The most dangerous bullet entered close to his spinal cord and penetrated his lung; it was removed during surgery, but the damage it caused resulted in breathing problems, paralysis, and other severe health issues. The second bullet had not penetrated very deeply and was easier to remove. However, due to the large amount of blood Kim had lost, the doctor considered further surgery too risky: the third bullet had to remain in his body.
    h_00017294.jpg
  • Because Aor needed to stay at home and take care of Kim after he was shot, the family had no income. Aor made squeezable cushions that she sold for 20 baht (USD 0.65) apiece and also did laundry now and then. On May 14, 2010 during the political disturbance between Red Shirts and army personnel in Bangkok, Thailand, Kim was shot three times while walking to a 7-Eleven to pay his family's bills. He was rushed to Kluay Nam Thai Hospital for life-saving surgery. The most dangerous bullet entered close to his spinal cord and penetrated his lung; it was removed during surgery, but the damage it caused resulted in breathing problems, paralysis, and other severe health issues. The second bullet had not penetrated very deeply and was easier to remove. However, due to the large amount of blood Kim had lost, the doctor considered further surgery too risky: the third bullet had to remain in his body.
    h_00017288.jpg
  • Kim doing exercises in bed during the day in his home. On May 14, 2010 during the political disturbance between Red Shirts and army personnel in Bangkok, Thailand, Kim was shot three times while walking to a 7-Eleven to pay his family's bills. He was rushed to Kluay Nam Thai Hospital for life-saving surgery. The most dangerous bullet entered close to his spinal cord and penetrated his lung; it was removed during surgery, but the damage it caused resulted in breathing problems, paralysis, and other severe health issues. The second bullet had not penetrated very deeply and was easier to remove. However, due to the large amount of blood Kim had lost, the doctor considered further surgery too risky: the third bullet had to remain in his body.
    h_00017285.jpg
  • Before the shooting Kim had received treatment for kidney duct cancer. After he got shot he kept having the cancer rate in his blood checked; there was no sign of deterioration. On May 14, 2010 during the political disturbance between Red Shirts and army personnel in Bangkok, Thailand, Kim was shot three times while walking to a 7-Eleven to pay his family's bills. He was rushed to Kluay Nam Thai Hospital for life-saving surgery. The most dangerous bullet entered close to his spinal cord and penetrated his lung; it was removed during surgery, but the damage it caused resulted in breathing problems, paralysis, and other severe health issues. The second bullet had not penetrated very deeply and was easier to remove. However, due to the large amount of blood Kim had lost, the doctor considered further surgery too risky: the third bullet had to remain in his body.
    h_00017283.jpg
  • Aor cleans their apartment while Kim is bedridden due to his paralysis. After Kim was shot Aor stayed home every day to take care of him and the household. Before Kim was shot he had taken care of his wife and children, cleaned the apartment and cooked; he worked as a food vendor to pay for food, rent and utilities, and for the kids' schooling. The shots left him paralyzed from the waist down, forcing him to remain in bed all day while his wife, Aor, had to do all the things he had done before. But in addition to performing all chores single-handedly, she became her husband's caregiver. Kim needed assistance with everything. Aor cooked for him, washed him, and helped him when he needed to relieve himself. The family now had no income; both Kim and Aor had to stay at home, and the children were in school. They received some financial support from the government, from organizations, volunteers, and from friends and family. They were dependent on the support in order to survive.
    h_20110922-AW-0006.jpg
  • Aor points to the bullet that was not removed from Kim's body. On May 14, 2010 during the political disturbance between Red Shirts and army personnel in Bangkok, Thailand, Kim was shot three times while walking to a 7-Eleven to pay his family's bills. He was rushed to Kluay Nam Thai Hospital for life-saving surgery. The most dangerous bullet entered close to his spinal cord and penetrated his lung; it was removed during surgery, but the damage it caused resulted in breathing problems, paralysis, and other severe health issues. The second bullet had not penetrated very deeply and was easier to remove. However, due to the large amount of blood Kim had lost, the doctor considered further surgery too risky: the third bullet had to remain in his body.
    h_20110921-AW-0005.jpg
  • Aor tells Kim that he needs to eat more. Ever after the shooting Kim had problems keeping food down. Before Kim was shot he had taken care of his wife and children, cleaned the apartment and cooked; he worked as a food vendor to pay for food, rent and utilities, and for the kids' schooling. The shots left him paralyzed from the waist down, forcing him to remain in bed all day while his wife, Aor, had to do all the things he had done before. But in addition to performing all chores single-handedly, she became her husband's caregiver. Kim needed assistance with everything. Aor cooked for him, washed him, and helped him when he needed to relieve himself. The family now had no income; both Kim and Aor had to stay at home, and the children were in school. They received some financial support from the government, from organizations, volunteers, and from friends and family. They were dependent on the support in order to survive.
    h_20110921-AW-0003.jpg
  • A board was put up to help Kim and Aor remember important things. On May 14, 2010 during the political disturbance between Red Shirts and army personnel in Bangkok, Thailand, Kim was shot three times while walking to a 7-Eleven to pay his family's bills. He was rushed to Kluay Nam Thai Hospital for life-saving surgery. The most dangerous bullet entered close to his spinal cord and penetrated his lung; it was removed during surgery, but the damage it caused resulted in breathing problems, paralysis, and other severe health issues. The second bullet had not penetrated very deeply and was easier to remove. However, due to the large amount of blood Kim had lost, the doctor considered further surgery too risky: the third bullet had to remain in his body.
    h_20110918-AW-0011.jpg
  • Exterior of Kim and Aor's building complex. Kim was shot about a two-minutes' walk from their home on Thanon Rama 4 in Bangkok.
    h_00017300.jpg
  • Kim resting at home during the day. Before Kim was shot he had taken care of his wife and children, cleaned the apartment and cooked; he worked as a food vendor to pay for food, rent and utilities, and for the kids' schooling. The shots left him paralyzed from the waist down, forcing him to remain in bed all day while his wife, Aor, had to do all the things he had done before. But in addition to performing all chores single-handedly, she became her husband's caregiver. Kim needed assistance with everything. Aor cooked for him, washed him, and helped him when he needed to relieve himself. The family now had no income; both Kim and Aor had to stay at home, and the children were in school. They received some financial support from the government, from organizations, volunteers, and from friends and family. They were dependent on the support in order to survive.
    h_00017297.jpg
  • View from Kim and Aor's apartment. Kim's condition deteriorated on 9th November, 2011; he was put on a ventilator in an intensive care unit room at Mahesak Hospital in Bangkok. On May 14, 2010 during the political disturbance between Red Shirts and army personnel in Bangkok, Thailand, Kim was shot three times while walking to a 7-Eleven to pay his family's bills. He was rushed to Kluay Nam Thai Hospital for life-saving surgery. The most dangerous bullet entered close to his spinal cord and penetrated his lung; it was removed during surgery, but the damage it caused resulted in breathing problems, paralysis, and other severe health issues. The second bullet had not penetrated very deeply and was easier to remove. However, due to the large amount of blood Kim had lost, the doctor considered further surgery too risky: the third bullet had to remain in his body.
    h_00017282.jpg
  • Surgery scars on Kim. On May 14, 2010 during the political disturbance between Red Shirts and army personnel in Bangkok, Thailand, Kim was shot three times while walking to a 7-Eleven to pay his family's bills. He was rushed to Kluay Nam Thai Hospital for life-saving surgery. The most dangerous bullet entered close to his spinal cord and penetrated his lung; it was removed during surgery, but the damage it caused resulted in breathing problems, paralysis, and other severe health issues. The second bullet had not penetrated very deeply and was easier to remove. However, due to the large amount of blood Kim had lost, the doctor considered further surgery too risky: the third bullet had to remain in his body.
    h_20110921-AW-0004.jpg
  • Aor washing Kim in the morning. She did this by herself twice a day during the time before Kim was moved to the hospital. Before Kim was shot he had taken care of his wife and children, cleaned the apartment and cooked; he worked as a food vendor to pay for food, rent and utilities, and for the kids' schooling. The shots left him paralyzed from the waist down, forcing him to remain in bed all day while his wife, Aor, had to do all the things he had done before. But in addition to performing all chores single-handedly, she became her husband's caregiver. Kim needed assistance with everything. Aor cooked for him, washed him, and helped him when he needed to relieve himself. The family now had no income; both Kim and Aor had to stay at home, and the children were in school. They received some financial support from the government, from organizations, volunteers, and from friends and family. They were dependent on the support in order to survive.
    h_20110921-AW-0002.jpg
  • Aor cleaning the apartment while Kim is resting during the day. Before Kim was shot he had taken care of his wife and children, cleaned the apartment and cooked; he worked as a food vendor to pay for food, rent and utilities, and for the kids' schooling. The shots left him paralyzed from the waist down, forcing him to remain in bed all day while his wife, Aor, had to do all the things he had done before. But in addition to performing all chores single-handedly, she became her husband's caregiver. Kim needed assistance with everything. Aor cooked for him, washed him, and helped him when he needed to relieve himself. The family now had no income; both Kim and Aor had to stay at home, and the children were in school. They received some financial support from the government, from organizations, volunteers, and from friends and family. They were dependent on the support in order to survive.
    h_20110920-AW-0010.jpg
  • a train crossed a land near a basketball camp.<br />
The shadow line is a trip, a trip losing myself, looking for myself.<br />
Like the romance “the shadow line” by Joseph Conrad (1917).<br />
I was in Italy, England, Bosnia, Montenegro, Serbia..<br />
It isn’t a reportage, it isn’t a story.<br />
It is a searching..<br />
<br />
I get away, I run, I go. I greet everybody and go.<br />
Where? Alone? With whome?<br />
Which faces I will meet on the way?<br />
It will be cold, it will be hot?<br />
There will be the sea or the countryside?<br />
Too many questions. If don’t start now, without thinking about it, maybe I will not ever again.<br />
I saw trains passed. I dreamed with my head pointed up, where there was flying a plane. Where it were going? It didn’t matter.<br />
The idea to leave was enough, because I was in jail, because every things around me was looked and could not find escape routes.<br />
Yes, I want to travel. At the risk of finding myself imprisoned in a shabby suburb in Krakow, or blocked by the cold inside a house in London.<br />
I want to travel, go, jump on a train or on a plane and take the fear away with me.<br />
Why this exact moment is now or never.<br />
Because even in the worst, most wretched places in the world to find you the look of a girl, a bird in flight, steal a conversation on the phone. And I have something to tell. To myself, to others. I can raise my head and say, “I’ve been there, I saw, I heard.”<br />
And now I’m travelling. My train runs on a line of shadow, hidden from the eyes of the world.<br />
I will stay just the time that i will need. Time to take a breath. The time that the eyes devour that portion of the light that is called “world”.<br />
The time to be myself, to the end, at least once in their lifetime.<br />
Before of put a good dress, get out of the shadow line and let me wet from light.<br />
Before finding my best smile and say, “Here I am. I am here.
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