Why do ones come from such far away places as Somalia or Congo to seek asylum in Bangkok? It seems hard to fathom but when you hear their stories, you understand why.
They live in desperate situations where they know war, fear, threat of death or maybe worse. They are then offered a way out. Someone locally says they know someone who will take them to Europe for a price. So they desperately or innocently pay the money and go their way for Europe.
What happens? They are taken to Bangkok, being told that it is on the way to Europe. They might not even understand Bangkok or where it is and so may think they are nearly there. Why Bangkok? It is a hub and is very easy to enter on a tourist visa.
Their companion says that they will stay in Bangkok for a few days before moving on. Then at a suitable moment, the companion goes and takes the other's passport and money. They are then left stranded in Bangkok and go from there. It is downhill all the way in a treacherous and harsh Bangkok. They just seem to go from one sort of hell to another. It just is in Bangkok they don't have to face what they faced back home - death, torure, rape. A typical story!
I am John Murray, an Australian, Catholic priest of the Order of St Augustine. I live and work in Thailand and have been here since October 2005. I have many stories from my life journey and would simply like to share some of them. So hope you enjoy and go away sometime with a smile or a helpful little insight.
We gather
to give thanks for my 25 years.
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