Shan host known as 04 loses job after illness in Chiang Mai ^{CEFR B1}

The man, known at work as 04, grew up in Shan State and was a novice monk at nine. He left the monastery at eighteen as the oldest son to support his family; his father was later drafted into the army.

He first served in a grilled pork restaurant from late afternoon until early morning for low pay. After a few months he moved to host bars in Santitham, where he worked late nights and earned money from drinks and private gigs. For example, if a drink cost 250 baht the bar kept part and the worker kept the rest, and he once served thirty drinks in one hour.

After contracting a sexually transmitted disease he lost his job and visited a hospital on January 3rd. A local resident paid his bill because no local organisation took the case; the Empower Foundation later provided some funding. His work permit has expired and he plans to return to Myanmar and keep follow-up medical appointments. He sent 5,000–6,000 baht home before he fell ill. His youngest brother died on January 9th and his father had only a short leave for the funeral.