UBON RATCHATHANI: An 86-year-old woman who fled her home after enduring physical abuse from her adopted son has received assistance from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, led by Minister Varawut Silpa-archa. The intervention follows reports that the elderly woman was deprived of her bankbook and allowances by her adopted son, prompting her to seek refuge with acquaintances.
According to Thai News Agency, the woman, residing in Tan Sum District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, was forced to escape her home after suffering abuse. The Center for Accelerated Public Welfare Management (CWRM) became involved after being contacted by a good Samaritan who had offered her help. On October 19, 2014, the CWRM team in Ubon Ratchathani conducted an investigation which confirmed the woman’s allegations of physical abuse and financial exploitation by her adopted son.
The Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Emergency Response Team engaged with the woman’s adopted daughter, revealing that she was not formally adopte
d but had been cared for by the elderly woman before becoming a nun. The two reportedly quarreled frequently, leading to an incident where the daughter pushed the elderly woman, resulting in her fleeing the home out of fear. After the incident, the good Samaritan helped the woman file a police report at the Tal Sum Police Station and provided her with accommodation.
The Emergency Response Team assessed the good Samaritan’s home, finding it to be a safe and clean environment for the elderly woman. The team plans to convene a multidisciplinary meeting to develop a strategy for ongoing support, including physical and mental rehabilitation. Should the woman choose, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is prepared to provide protection and care through its agencies.