Shan host known as 04 loses job after illness in Chiang Mai ^{CEFR B2}

The man who goes by the number 04 worked as a host in Santitham, a budget-friendly red-light district in Chiang Mai where many migrant workers entertain and serve drinks. He grew up in Shan State, was ordained as a novice monk at nine, and left the monastery at eighteen to support his family after becoming the oldest son; his father was later conscripted into the army.

He began with a server job at a grilled pork restaurant, working from about 4 pm until 1:30 am for 260 baht. After several months he moved to host bars, working roughly from 10 pm to 5 am. Pay there depended on customers' drink orders: if a drink costs 250 baht the bar took 50 baht and the worker kept the rest. He once served thirty drinks in an hour, and some customers offered extra money for private gigs, sometimes 500 baht per hour. He also described dangerous incidents: a customer tried to force him into a room and refused to pay, one offered 2,000 baht to use drugs with him, and another made him drink until he passed out.

He lost his job after contracting a sexually transmitted disease that was not HIV. He sought treatment and was taken to hospital on January 3rd. A Chiang Mai resident paid his bill because no local organisation initially took his case; the Empower Foundation later found some funding to cover part of the cost. His work permit has expired, and he plans to return to Myanmar after treatment and follow-up appointments. He said he sent 5,000–6,000 baht home before he fell ill. After his youngest brother died on January 9th, his father received only four hours' leave for the funeral. Asked about conscription, he said, "They already took my father. They probably won’t take me too." No NGO in Chiang Mai currently works directly with male sex workers.