I was visiting my friend in Thonburi. She's a Thai Muslim of Chinese origin, and the granddaughter has both Thai and Malaysian blood too. Whatever the combination, it has produced a stunning baby, who when I arrived was taking a break with her head on Grandma's breast.
Families in Thailand are both tighter and more fluid than ours. There is a profound sense of responsibility for siblings, especially younger ones. Parents and grandparents are treated with great respect and cared for if needed. Children are as likely to be in the regular care of a grandparent or other close relatives as at home with Mom and Dad, especially when they are very small and both parents are working. Everyone pitches in to help with the little kids: neighbors, friends, and even foreign visitors.
Grandma's apartment is one large room with a window in the back and a little sitting area in the front. The room is for sleeping, eating, and watching the old TV when it's working. Right now, Grandma shares her home with the baby and one adult son, who pays the small rent and buys the food. Her husband has been dead for 15 years.
Grandma's apartment is one large room with a window in the back and a little sitting area in the front. The room is for sleeping, eating, and watching the old TV when it's working. Right now, Grandma shares her home with the baby and one adult son, who pays the small rent and buys the food. Her husband has been dead for 15 years.