NGO

International tennis joined forces with the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer (QSCBC) in the fight against this disease, which has become the leading cancer cause of death among Thai women. The WTA, the international, Women’s Tennis Association, in partnership with the Thailand Open Tennis 2020, organised professional players and coaches to play tennis with the children of a slum community in greater Bangkok, while the QSCBC breast screening project team taught the community women of all ages, about the risks of breast cancer and registered them for the free full clinical screening project at the QSCBC hospital.

The Thailand Tennis Open 2020, which is a part of the WTA international world tennis tour, also raised funds for the QSCBC breast (and cervical cancer) screening project. The theme for the whole event was bright pink, including the centre court surface, to match the international symbolic colour for breast cancer, and to also honour the dedication of the QSCBC’s 25 years of work, providing the highest standard of breast cancer care for the underprivileged  in Thailand. The event, held at the True Arena in Hua Hin, included GSB, [email protected], APG Hong Kong and the Proud Group among its sponsors.

Representative of the WTA, finalist Leonie Kung, Magda Linette winner, Khunying Finola Chatamra Honorary Advisor QSCBC and Dr Kris Chatamra Honorary Director of the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast (QSCBC), representatives of the Thailand Open including, Proudputh Liptapanlop (Proud Group) and Victor Ruiz Director APG Hong Kong – joint event director with Paradorn Srichapan – previously ranked 9 in the world. The GSB Thailand Open presented by [email protected], in association with Proud Group, APG and WTA Charities, raised over THB 1.6 million (around US$53,000) for the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer Foundation.

International Womens’ Tennis Association tour. Pink, the internationally recognised colour for breast cancer, also honoured the work of the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer (QSCBC) which has taken care of the poorest women with breast cancer for 25 years.      

                     The Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer (QSCBC) slum outreach  screening project has been in operation for over twenty years, helping those in society who do not have access to breast (and cervical) cancer care. The project’s founder Khunying Finola Chatamra, works closely with the dedicated QSCBC medical and nursing team, as well as the patient support group volunteers, who all give up their weekends to help organise the project. 

*The QSCBC Foundation relies on donations to support the project. www.qscbcfoundation.org   

International tennis players and coaches from the WTA and Thailand Tennis Open 2020, entertaining the children in a slum community, while their mothers, carers and grandmothers are being taught about breast cancer and registering for the free QSCBC breast screening project. Above Chloe Paquet a professional WTA player from France.

International WTA professional tennis players and coaches with the children from the Prapadaeng slum community. Back centre: Karim Perona, Stephane Cherret, Garry Sakuma, Harry Haines, Wang Yafen, Chloe Paquet, Victor Ruiz, Dr Kris Chatamra, Khunying Finola Chatamra co-ordinator of the project, Angelica Manalo. The children played tennis while the mothers and female relatives registered for the free QSCBC breast screening project and were taught about the risks of breast cancer. 

While the international players and coaches were having fun with the children playing tennis, QSCBC, Slum Community Outreach Project, an educational and screening project for breast and cervical cancer, was in action.

                   Over 20 years ago, The Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer (QSCBC), began an educational outreach programme for breast and cervical cancer in the slums of greater Bangkok. Teams comprising of dedicated specialist nurses, doctors and breast cancer survivors, volunteer their time to offer teaching programmes to the poorest women, during the weekends, when the women are not   out a subsistence wage. The QSCBC’s remit is to care for the women in the greatest need in society, who live a hand to mouth existence, feeding their families from the money earned during the day. The two days are offered as a free service to these women.

                  The QSCBC team give up their private time to carry out the project over three days, every 3 months when possible. The cost varies according to the number of women attending, but a pap smear and mammography and ultrasound costs 3700B, including medical examination and pathology lab costs.

*The funds are raised by the QSCBC for every session.

For more information, to volunteer or donate: 

www.qscbcfoundation.org      [click the GB flag for English] 

or email   [email protected] 

The teaching (and registering) is carried out in the slum community by the QSCBC team and volunteers, in a friendly environment, where all questions can be answered without fear and embarrassment. A pre-questionnaire is given to the women, to test how much they already know about breast and cervical cancer. Following a teaching session, the questionnaire is repeated, to ensure that the women understand fully all that has been taught to them. Those who have difficulty with reading and writing are helped in a sensitive and supportive way. Prizes are given to make the event fun and not daunting. The women become the best ‘PR agents’ for the work of the project, spreading the word in their communities about the value of these teaching events and identifying the women in need of urgent treatment. The project aims to attract all ages, including the younger women, to inculcate accurate healthcare information on these two diseases, which today are the leading cancer killers of Thai women. During the teaching sessions the women are registered to come in to the QSCBC for free breast cancer screening, including digital mammography, ultrasounds and full medical examinations, as well as cervical pap smears.  Women under 40 years, are offered pap smears only, (unless they have presenting breast symptoms) and those over 40 years are offered both breast and cervical cancer screening. 

  The women most in need are invited in groups of 120 to come to the Queen Sirikit Centre for screening. Thai Red Cross coaches collect the women and return them to their homes after the investigations. They are encouraged to bring their children to avoid any concerns over childcare and volunteers and a magician are on hand to entertain the children during the day at the hospital. The women and their children are given meals to further alleviate any further anxiety they may be feeling about any loss of daily income. Cosmetic companies are invited to do makeovers on the women, if they chose to do so, and gifts are given out at the end of the day too. The team will often invite a famous star into the slums or to the hospital, to reinforce the message that screening for cervical and breast cancer, is essential. The QSCBC endeavours, therefore, to make the whole experience a non-threatening and enjoyable day out. 

Day 2 at the QSCBC hospital. A group of 120 women attending the free breast and cervical cancer screening project at the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer [QSCBC]. The women receive mammograms, ultrasounds and pap smears if over 40 years and pap smears if under 40. If a woman presents with possible breast symptoms below 40, she will receive further investigation.        

*All fancy dress costumes and toys are donated by local parents and schools. To donate  contact  [email protected]@gmail.com

                     If a woman is found to have a problem that needs treatment they are followed up and brought back to the QSCBC for care. The project rotates around all the communities to repeat screening periodically and gather women who have health concerns in the interim period. Having built up positive relationships with the communities over many years, the women now know they can contact the QSCBC if they are in urgent need, before the next screening session or refer a friend or neighbour. Many of the women take care of children or grandchildren alone, so in addition to caring for the individual woman, this outreach programme also aims to protect the family. One in 10 women are at risk of breast cancer across a lifetime in Thailand. The QSCBC has a commitment to ensure that the message, ‘early detection may save your life’, is well understood in these communities. Often breast or cervical cancer is believed to be a death sentence; women suffer in silence because they do not seek help early enough, due to fear, lack of funds or because the individual becomes resigned to the fact that they will die whatever they do.

                      As a result of over 25 years of experience with the poorest women suffering from breast cancer, a hospice village has been built, by the QSCBC Foundation, near Minburi on donated land called ‘Pink Park’. This sanctuary will serve the underprivileged cases that are cared for at the QSCBC main hospital site, who may need a further period of recuperation or for a few patients it will be a place to pass away peacefully, pain free and with dignity, rather than in the squalor of a slum. Pink Park is a specially designed facility where all the individuals in need can be referred. The project has been launched, but donations continue to be needed to carry out this work and the breast screening project.

Donations :www.qscbcfoundation.org (click the GB flag for English) or contact [email protected]

 The QSCBC team, nurses, doctors, social workers and breast cancer survivors, volunteering their weekend, to register the women of the slum community for the QSCBC free breast cancer screening project and also to educate them about the risks of both breast and cervical cancer. Joined by the international professional WTA players and coaches from the Thailand Open 2020.

 During the week of Thailand Open 2020      

       The WTA Thailand Tennis Open 2020 sponsors, including APG Hong Kong and the Proud Group, with the QSCBC, collaborated to take the women and children from the Prapadaeng slum community, who are part of the QSCBC Slum Community Breast Cancer Screening project, to  Hua Hin for a day of activities. For many of the  women and children it was the first time they had ever had a day out in their lives, and most had never seen the sea. They visited the Intercontinental Hotel Hua Hin to swim on the beach, followed by a day of adventure at the Vana Nava Waterpark in Hua Hin and ended the day by watching the Thailand Open 2020 tennis tournament from the VIP seats on centre court.

PINK RIBBON DAY: In recognition of October as an International Breast Cancer Awareness month, Bumrungrad International Hospital united Pink Ladies Group under the umbrella of the Queen Sirikit Center for Breast Cancer (QSCBC) Foundation and the International Women’s Groups of Bangkok on October 20, 2020 to raise awareness regarding the breast cancer continuum.  Donations were made to QSCBC.

From Left: Manjit Walia; Pink Ladies Chairperson under the umbrella of QSCBC, Mukda Sorensen; President of International Women’s Club, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wichai Vassanasiri; Breast Cancer Surgeon, Artirat Charukitpipat; CEO of Bumrungrad International Hospital, Dr. Thiraphop Waipradab; Breast Cancer Surgeon, Christiane Kitchakarn; President of Soroptimist International Bangkok, Andrea DiCastro McGough; President of the American Women’s Club and Italian Artist Arianna Caroli.

October Luncheon Meeting

Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok

Expat Life in Thailand had the pleasure of joining the Soroptimist International Bangkok (SIB) for their well attended October luncheon meeting. 

Soroptimist International is a global movement working to transform the lives of women and girls. SIB was founded in 1977 and has 31 members from many different nationalities. The power of Soroptimism is its membership who together empower women and girls in all aspects of their lives. 

It was a busy meeting with introductions of new members and two guest speakers. Christiane, SIB President updated members and their guests with the impressive and diverse range of ongoing projects and fundraising activities.

The speakers, both prominent leaders in their chosen fields, were engaging and interesting orators.

Dr Meera Khorana MBBS, Assistant Professor Pediatrics Neonatal Unit at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health Bangkok spoke on the topic of ‘commitment to care, helping sick and vulnerable children’. Through her heart warming presentation, we gained a valuable insight into the highs and lows of working with premature babies. We learnt the importance of kangaroo care (skin to skin contact) and of the development of Thailand’s mothers’ milk banks. 

Dr Meera told us the longest stay in the Neonatal Unit was one year. It was her dream to see all premature babies in her care graduate, but sadly premature birth is the highest cause of infant mortality in Thailand.

It was beautiful to see photos of the reunion graduates now grown up, who were once so frail. 

Dr Oranee Tangphao – Daniels has over thirty years experience of clinical research and drug development in academia and the pharmaceutical industry. Hers was an uplifting account encouraging everyone present to follow their dreams. She recounted her personal journey to become a Doctor and Chief Medical Officer. Her dream was achieved with the support and kindness of others, through out her life. 

Dr Oranee offered a reminder that together as professional women we are stronger than each on their own. She discussed the importance of the collective wisdom of the Soroptimists and the value of encouragement and mentoring support to women across the globe.

This was a perfect introduction to updates regarding the work of the Soroptimist International Bangkok. This included domestic projects in Thailand such as a nurse scholarship program which supports 29 nurses for 4 years in Chiang Rai and a presentation of an LED phototherapy lamp for the Prenatal Care department at Prachanukrho Hospital. 

Further afield we were informed of a sewing machine project in a refugee camp in Democratic Republic of the Congo and a friendship link with the Sofia-Bulgaria Soroptimists who received Thailand Soroptimist’s face masks to support the Stay Safe campaign.

At a time when the world is working on recovering from a crippling pandemic SIB can be rightly proud of their actions creating opportunities to transform the lives of women and girls and thus helping heal the world.

More information can be found at www.sibangkok.org

The next meeting is on November 11th 2020 from 11.30am. Further details from  Christiane at [email protected]

Walking around a floating market on the outskirts of Bangkok, I was spending the day with a Thai friend and a few of his work colleagues. While we were buying food for a shared lunch, I noticed his colleague accepting a plastic bag with every single item of food she bought. She started to look like the main character from the movie ‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’ with bags quickly filling up space on her tiny lower arms. 

As she went to buy pomelo slices, I pulled out my reusable cotton bag and expressed ‘Mai ow tuung plastic naka’ (no plastic bag) to the market vendor and motioned for him to put the newly purchased pomelo in my cotton bag. The market vendor smiled and lightly chuckled as he gently teased me about whether he should take off the plastic wrapping too.

It happened once again as I bought a coconut and whipped out my reusable straw. The market lady cackled with laughter and expressed “Dii maak farang!” (very good) as she put a plastic straw back into its box. 

“Why is there such a cultural difference between westerners and Thai people when it comes to the environment and using plastic?” I curiously asked my Thai friend.

“Thai people are conscious about the environment too, they’re just not as serious as farangs,” he replied. “It’s more common amongst the younger generation as it’s seen as a ‘modern’ thing to do. I guess it’s too much of a culture shift for older people who aren’t used to carrying their own bags, straws, and cups. But people are trying. There’s more awareness now from the government on the news and social media.”

Despite this eco-conscious way of living becoming a seemingly ‘new’ way of living for most of the Thai population, Thailand has been making small ripples in a more environmentally-aware world.

Environmental consciousness has been gaining attention worldwide over the past decade. In 2019, we saw widespread media reporting of environmental problems such as natural disasters and the largest climate strike in history, led by Greta Thunberg, which grabbed the attention of global citizens worldwide. 

But where does Thailand stand in this global movement?

Where does Thailand rank with Eco-consciousness? 

Over the past three decades, Thailand has made remarkable progress and advances in economic progress. But this is not without costs to the environment. Industrial power plants, urban architecture, an increase in vehicles and seasonal agricultural burning have all led to the destruction of forests, overuse of the land and water and shocking air pollution levels

Air pollution 

Anyone who has stayed or visited Chiang Mai during the ‘burning season’ will have experienced the awful air quality first-hand. In March 2020, Chiang Mai was given the top spot for having the worst air pollution in the world. Bangkok came in at 18th place. Air pollution is responsible for five million deaths each year on a global scale.  

Ocean pollution 

According to WWF, more than 310 million tons of plastic were generated in 2016 – one-third of that plastic ended up in the ocean. They diagnosed the issue as being ‘uncontrollable’ and warned the global population that unless change happens, the plastic pollution of our oceans could double and impose severe threats to marine life, our economy, and our health. The last global research report in 2010 identified the top polluting nations – Thailand was ranked at number seven, with a contribution of 1.03 million tonnes of plastic waste to the ocean. 

In summary, the Sustainable Cities Index 2018 report, which explores city sustainability, ranked Bangkok 80 of out of 100 major cities around the world (1 – best; 100 – worst). 

What is Thailand doing about reducing the use of plastic? 

Saying no to plastic bags 

From the 2 million tonnes of plastic waste generated by Thailand per year, most of the waste is single-use plastic bags from malls, supermarkets, convenience stores, local markets, and street vendors. 

In September 2019, Varawut Silpa-Archa, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment announced a public campaign banning the use of plastic bags in a public campaign to encourage shoppers to use reusable bags from January 2020. They even went as far as pixelating plastic bags in commercials and TV shows.

Many big-name companies such as 7/11, Big C, Tesco Lotus, and Villa Market were onboard and made the necessary changes to support this campaign. However, disappointingly, many locals and expats (including myself) are still being given unbranded plastic bags in our local 7/11s without asking for them. 

Saying no to plastic straws 

Along with the plastic bag ban movement at the beginning of 2020, Starbucks took the lead in saying ‘no’ to plastic straws. A global commitment, the food and beverage retailer started to provide strawless lids and eco-friendly straws to their customers. They are committed to eliminating more than one billion plastic straws from their stores per year. This hasn’t gone unnoticed by Thai coffee brands. Cafe Amazon now provides biodegradable straws and compostable cups and Inthanon Coffee uses cups made from 100% plant biomass. 

In response, Thailand has promised to ban all plastic straws, cups and styrofoam containers by 2022. Government Spokesman Athisit Chainuwat added that the goal is for Thailand to only use recycled plastics by 2027.

Annual trash collection events 

For those of us who have lived near beaches, we are already familiar with beach cleanup programmes led by the government and local organisations on an annual or quarterly basis. 

In Bangkok, a professor at Thammasat University has organised the biggest river cleaning campaign called ‘Kayaking for Chao Praya’. Every year, volunteers kayak along the Chao Praya river, collecting trash and debris along the way. Volunteers cover 400 kilometres of the river in approximately 10 days.

Sustainability programmes in schools 

International and public Thai schools are getting onboard with sustainability and plastic reduction programmes, whether they are internal or external. Programmes such as the Traidhos Three-Generation Community for Learning Barge Programme offer field trips for students around Bangkok and within surrounding National Parks. In 2019, the programme successfully engaged 1,331 students in service environmental projects: from tree planting (560 trees planted) beach and river clean-ups, and litter picks.

Kirsty Shakespeare, Head of the Barge Programme states, “Students who take part in service activities can see firsthand the problems caused by plastic waste and unsustainable living. The programme gives them the platform to take positive and direct action which is very empowering for young people.”

What can we do to help? 

Invest in reusable bags, bottles, straws, cutlery, cups and boxes

Having a reusable collection can drop your plastic usage dramatically. It puts an end to the plastic bag hoarding and the number of plastic juice cups clogging up your bin. Farmers’ markets are a great place to find these commodities. Ecotopia in Siam Tower and The eco shop in BACC also stock reusable products. 

Go to a refill station

Instead of continually buying products that come in plastic packaging (haircare products, body products, cleaning products), take your empty bottles to a refill station. I regularly visit Better Moon Cafe On Nut. It’s simple, cheap and very environmentally friendly. 

At Better Moon, you can also get cupboard staples such as pasta, tea, lentils, nuts, and dried fruit as well as reusable products available for purchase. It’s heaven for eco-conscious people.

They also have a small refill station in the middle of the Ekkamai BTS. 

Use your reusable products

Once you’ve invested in your products – use them! Put them in your bag and take them wherever you go. Ordering coffee? Give them your refill coffee cup to use. Buying fresh fruit from the street vendor? Ask them to put the fruit in your reusable Tupperware box. Decline plastic cutlery at the street food market and use your own. 

Some people feel ‘stupid’ doing this and fear that they will be laughed at. I can’t guarantee some people won’t tease or joke with you, but it will be with good intention and maybe they will feel encouraged to make some changes themselves.

Use water refill stations 

The amount of plastic water bottles I see in my condo trash area makes me shudder. Especially when most condos have water refill stations installed. They are literally everywhere. Walk down your soi and I guarantee you will see one. Buy a 45B gallon from 7/11 and keep refilling it for 5B a time! Think of all the money and plastic you’ll be saving!

Go to a clothing swap

Along with plastic, the fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. Globally, we produce 13 million tonnes of textile waste each year 95% of which could be reused or recycled. 

In a mission to combat this, Jessica Teal, a long-time Bangkok expat came up with the initiative ‘Swap ‘Til You Drop’ – a clothes swapping platform based in The Home BKK, Sukhumvit 23, Bangkok. The swap is normally hosted once a month and the concept is pretty simple. You bring any clothes you no longer want and swap them for something you do want!

Jess can see the difference this is making to people’s attitudes towards fashion waste. “When people come to swap, they are becoming more aware of the positive impact they are having on waste reduction,” Jess states, “I think Thailand has great potential to be more sustainable and eco-friendly. People don’t really realise how one small action can make waves globally.”

Along with the rest of the world, there is still a lot to be done to tackle climate change. However, regardless of whether you think Thailand is doing enough or not, they are trying. We can all take some social responsibility and do what we can to limit our own use of plastic and reduce waste. 

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