International

90-year-old man in Thailand sells kway chap to care for bedridden wife after losing only son

90-year-old man in Thailand sells rice noodles to care for his bedridden wife

Despite his advanced age, a 90-year-old Thai grandfather refuses to give up, selling kway chap, also known as rolled rice noodle soup, to support his bedridden wife.

TikTok user @iiceziii shared a video of an old man preparing kway chap for a customer.

Source: @iiceziii on TikTok

In a conversation with the OP, the grandfather, identified as Somchai, revealed that he sells just two or three bowls daily.

Wife became bedridden due to health conditions

In the caption, she explained that Mr Somchai sells the food to earn money to care for his bedridden wife, as their only son passed away five to six months ago.

His wife, who is in her 70s, is bedridden due to leg weakness and also suffers from an intestinal illness.

Source: @iiceziii on TikTok

He had just taken a month-long break from selling to care for her and had only resumed his stall three days earlier.

At the end of the clip, the OP promised the grandfather that she would get a new banner for his stall.

Affordable prices & generous portions

His items, including chicken kway chap and fish ball kway chap, are sold in takeaway bags priced at 40 baht (S$1.55) and 50 baht (S$1.93).

Source: @iiceziii on TikTok

The OP noted that he serves generous portions at affordable prices.

She also mentioned that Mr Somchai did not increase his prices because he worried he would lose customers.

 

OP urged netizens to help support them

The OP said he puts his whole heart into making every bowl.

“Even though his hands tremble slightly as he picks up ingredients with tongs, he serves every customer with a warm smile alongside the grandmother, who, despite being hard of hearing, sits beside him with a sweet smile,” she said.

According to her, the grandfather operates outside Wat Khlong Ple in the morning, then moves to the 7-Eleven at Big C Supercenter Hatyai (Khlong Hae) in the evening.

Source: @iiceziii on TikTok

She urged viewers to come and buy his food to show support for the couple.

“May the world be kind to them both. Please stop by to support Grandfather and Grandmother,” the OP wrote.

He saw increases in noodle soup sales after viral video

In a follow-up video, the OP revisited Mr Somchai’s stall.

He greeted her with a bright smile and excitedly announced that his stock had sold out unusually fast, reaching over 10 bowls compared to his usual two or three.

In the comments, many netizens asked for the grandfather’s bank account details, hoping to transfer some money to help him.

Translation: Can I have the grandfather’s bank account number?
Source: TikTok

Several people said they were happy for him that his sales jumped.

Translation: Happy for him. So lovely.
Source: TikTok

Also read: Bakery owner in S’pore battles severe arthritis, kneads dough with only 6 fingers to keep business running

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.

Featured image adapted from @iiceziii on TikTok.

Thanawut Fasaisirinan

When faced with boredom, Bank lets the notes of music and the pull of gaming fill the empty hours.

Share
Published by
Thanawut Fasaisirinan