Shan host known as 04 loses job after illness in Chiang MaiCEFR A2
6 Feb 2026
Adapted from Prachatai, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Nopparuj Lamaikul, Unsplash
A Shan man who uses the name 04 worked as a host in Santitham, a budget red-light area in Chiang Mai. He is about twenty years old and has tattoos and bright orange hair.
He became ill with a sexually transmitted disease and lost his job before the New Year. He went to a hospital on January 3rd for treatment and follow-up care. A Chiang Mai resident paid his bill and the Empower Foundation later helped with some costs. His work permit has expired and he plans to return to Myanmar after treatment.
Difficult words
- host — person who works with customers at a venue
- red-light area — part of a city where sex work happens
- tattoo — pictures on the skin made with inktattoos
- treatment — medical care to make a person better
- follow-up care — additional medical check after first treatment
- work permit — official paper allowing a person to work
- expire — stop being valid or legal after a timeexpired
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think a resident paid his bill?
- How can a person get medical treatment if they have no money?
- Do you think he will find work in Myanmar? Why?
Related articles
Sudan turns to AI as health system struggles
Sudan’s health system is under severe strain after an almost two‑year civil war. A senior health official says the country is using artificial intelligence to help provide care where normal services no longer reach, while shortages and attacks worsen the crisis.
Needle-free spray delivers last-resort antibiotics
Researchers developed a needle-free spray-mist device to push last-resort antibiotics through the skin into infected tissue. The method aims to treat drug-resistant infections while reducing organ damage linked to intravenous delivery.
