Korean celebrity helps build shelters for Thai hill tribe people

Ryoo Seung Bum enjoying a different kind of life

Ryoo Seung Bum, a rising star from Korea, spent time learning to live the simple life with hill tribe people and children in Chiang Rai province.

The actor came to Thailand after being invited by Plan Korea, which has entered into partnerships with NTV, along with famous photographers, TV directors and celebrities. The goals were to produce documentaries and photo exhibitions in order to publicise important development issues in Korea and to further support deprived communities through fundraising.  

“We took a celebrity away from the limelight and luxurious living in Korea to learn from hill tribe children and community people how to lead a simple life.  This is the only way he will really absorb Plan’s work on development issues.  Most people in Korea think Thailand is a tourist heaven, so on this trip we made a short film, which we will screen back in Korea and we will spread the word of the experiences this group had to a wider Korean audiences. They will learn other aspects about Thailand which may have never crossed their minds,” stated Sang Joo, Plan Korea’s National Director.

During 12-17 March, 11 houses in the villages burned down. Ryoo Seung Bum, together with the village people, built shelters for the survivors while they were waiting for their houses to be rebuilt. He had a chance to have some fun with the children, by cooking, washing clothes and playing football with them.

“Seeing these children makes me envious.  They play with nature and have a lot of fun.  Many Korean children don’t have this kind of opportunity.  After seeing their smiles when we gave them small things, I felt happy and I will keep this feeling with me when I return to Korea.  Whenever I feel tired from work, this will help remind me of how easy it is to be happy in life.  I think I will see the world more beautifully than ever,” said Ryoo Seung Bum after spending a week with the local children and communities.

Huaykra village is in one of the three districts in Chiang Rai where Plan in Thailand has set up its operations.  Plan began its programmes in Thailand in 1981 in Khon Kaen then expanded to Mahasarakam, Udon Thani, Nongbua Lumpoo, Sri Saket and Chiang Mai and has been able to create lasting improvements in the lives of children, their family members and members of the communities. Plan in Thailand has worked with 600 communities and supported over 36,700 children in seven provinces.
  
“The hill tribe communities are facing multi-faceted problems ranging from the lack of physical basic needs to the lack of basic rights such as even having their own identities. Plan in Thailand, therefore, focuses on education (to improve both access and quality), educating people about birth registration, increasing participation among children and woman and promoting self-sufficiency and sustainability towards community development,” said Pornvit Tharaporn, Plan Thailand’s Chiang Rai Programme Unit Manager.