My country of focus this week was Vietnam. Vietnam is a country in Southeast Asia. It boarders Laos, Cambodia, and China, it is also located near the South China sea. Vietnam is currently a communist state, though Vietnam’s early history comprises of periods of occupation by outside forces and eventual power consolidation under Vietnamese dynastic families. Now, Vietnam has a relatively neutral relationship with the rest of the world, including China, who they have had some tension with regarding the maritime claim that overlaps with the South China Sea.

The story out of Vietnam that I will be focusing on today is related to hair donations towards pediatric cancer patients. On Sunday the 8th of October, a program called Tram Toc Uoc Mo (Dream Hair Station) was held across Vietnam to donate hair for pediatric cancer patients. As of now, there have been nearly 3,100 women and children who have donated hair, and upwards of 150 hair kits that have been created. These hair kits have helped young cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy regain confidence at school as they wait for their hair to regrow.

To read more in depth about this story:

https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/society/20231009/hair-donations-give-strength-to-pediatric-cancer-patients-in-northern-vietnam/76071.html

To learn more about Tram Toc Uoc Mo (Dream Hair):

Trạm Tóc Ước Mơ

 

XOXO

• Nex

The region we are focused on this week is south-eastern Asia and Oceania. I have chosen to focus on Thailand.

Thailand is a South-East Asian country located on the continent of Asia. Formerly known as Siam, Thailand was never brought under European colonial domination, therefore the Thai language has stayed consistent throughout the nation’s history. Since 1932 Thailand has been a constitutional monarchy, after a revolution overthrowing its previous absolute monarchy.  

News from The Nationthailand – a local source of news

Sangkarak Suraya Thirasutho, the abbot of Wat Woraprot Sanghawaas is a religious leader who has taken it upon himself to create easy and accessible ways for individuals to take from the donations he receives. Located in the Chonburi’s Phan Thong district, one of the most northern districts in Thailand, Chonburi abbot has started to feed and assist those in need, claiming that if you have the ability you should help those around you who are less fortunate.  

To learn more: https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40031750

 

If you wish to learn more about Thailand and its recent news, the following are reliable, local news sources.

The Bangkok Post

Thaiger

The Nationthailand

 

XOXO, Viv