Local officials step in to help paralysed man who pleaded for help

>>TRAT: Local officials are helping a paralysed man whose plea online drew the attention of netizens who banded together to donate money.

Mr Ekachai Imura said he was paralysed eight years ago due to a worksite accident and his wife left him. He received 7,000 baht in donations from online users after his story took hold.

The authorities then gave Mr Ekachai cash relief of 2,000 baht.

Wantarat Trai-ukot, director of the provincial Protection Centre for the Destitute, said Mr Ekachai’s case attracted empathy from authorities even though he was noticed “begging online”, which is against the law.

Ms Wantarat said Mr Ekachai received financial assistance following the work accident, including 1.1 million baht in compensation from his employer and 100,000 baht from the Justice Ministry.

However, the centre spoke to Anant Dokmai, chairman of the tambon Bo Ploy administration organisation, about setting up an online shop for Mr Ekachai.

Ms Wantarat said social welfare officials will supply the merchandise and local media outlets will be asked to promote Mr Ekachai’s business.

The story of Mr Ekachai, a resident of Bo Rai district, drew the centre’s attention after his plea for help online went viral.

Parichat Dituam, a representative of the provincial committee on social welfare and human security, said officials needed to step in because Mr Ekachai’s case was noticed by the state agencies that helped him eight years ago.

Ms Parichat said Mr Ekachai could face legal action if people who donated money online felt they were cheated.

Mr Ekachai said he spent the compensation money four years ago and moved back home to live with his mother.

He said he was unaware his action online could lead to legal problems and agreed to accept help from the authorities.