A 77-year-old bedridden man in Thailand’s Ayutthaya province has become the center of a social media storm after multiple former wives have publicly detailed their reasons for leaving him. The situation gained widespread attention following a video shared by rescue workers, which depicted one former wife, identified as Ma, refusing to take him back and urging rescuers to find his legal wife.
Background of the Case
The viral video sparked a debate online, with many Thai social media users expressing divided opinions. While some criticized Ma for a perceived lack of compassion, others speculated that she might have had valid reasons for her decision. Ma subsequently appeared on a television program to explain her history with the man, identified as Damri.
Ma’s Account: Second Wife’s Perspective
Ma stated that she began a relationship with Damri in 1985, though their union was never legally registered. She revealed they had no children together, as Damri had undergone sterilization. Ma identified herself as Damri’s second wife, noting he had been married previously. She alleged that Damri later engaged in infidelity and failed to provide adequate financial support for their family, which led her to seek a separation in 2008. According to Ma, Damri demanded 100,000 baht and a car as a condition for their separation. She complied with these demands, only to discover later that Damri had used the money and vehicle to marry another woman.
Damri eventually returned to Ma when he became ill. She permitted him to reside in a small shack on a relative’s plantation. However, the relative eventually objected to his continued presence, prompting Ma to contact rescue workers to remove him from the property.
Rattanawadi’s Account: Third Wife’s Experience
Rattanawadi, who identified herself as Damri’s third wife, confirmed their marriage was legally registered. Similar to Ma’s account, Rattanawadi also accused Damri of cheating and neglecting his family responsibilities, which led her to request a divorce. She expressed unawareness of Damri’s relationship with his fourth wife at the time, later learning he had moved in with Ma, whom she understood to be his second wife. Rattanawadi publicly urged Damri to disclose the full truth regarding the circumstances of his abandonment.
Fourth Wife’s Refusal to Care
Damri’s most recent wife also spoke to the media, stating her inability to continue caring for him. She explained that their relationship ended in 2018, after which she returned to her former husband. She corroborated the pattern of financial demands, stating that Damri had requested 100,000 baht and a car from her, which she agreed to provide to end their relationship.
Current Situation and Support
As of the latest reports, Damri is reportedly receiving care and assistance from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. The case highlights complex family dynamics and the challenges faced by individuals in caring for elderly relatives, particularly when relationships have broken down due to alleged infidelity and financial irresponsibility.
Societal Context in Thailand
This situation touches upon broader societal expectations in Thailand regarding the care of the elderly. Traditionally, adult children are expected to support their aging parents. However, the circumstances surrounding Damri’s multiple marriages and the alleged financial and emotional neglect reported by his former wives present a more complicated picture. The public’s reaction online reflects a tension between traditional values and the realities of strained or damaged family relationships.
Conclusion
The widely publicized case of the 77-year-old bedridden man and his former wives underscores the multifaceted nature of familial responsibilities and relationship breakdowns. The accounts provided by Ma, Rattanawadi, and the fourth wife suggest a pattern of alleged financial demands and marital infidelity that ultimately led to the dissolution of their respective marriages and their refusal to provide ongoing care. While the man is now under the care of social services, the public discourse continues to grapple with the ethical and emotional dimensions of the situation.
