Pitoon's Story

Pitoon contracted HIV at birth from his mother, a Shan refugee from Myanmar. Fortunately, his mother had a work permit and was able to receive free antiretroviral medicine for herself and Pitoon.

Ban Kae Noi, Lahu village on Myanmar border

The purpose of the trip was to visit Ban Kae Noi where 8 HIV patients are receiving treatment and taking antiretroviral drugs. There are those who have been taking antiretroviral drugs for a long time and others just entering the treatment process.

Poy Sang Long Festival

The festival is essentially Shan or Tai Yai and means “ordaining the beloved sons”. Boys of 12 years and older enter the temple to be ordained as novice monks. They will learn the tenets of Buddhist teaching and the self-discipline required of a monk. After being ordained, they will stay in the monastery for a time that can vary from a week to many months or more

Friends in Singapore

Rejoice is very fortunate to have a group of donors in Singapore. The group is led by Wight Wong.

Individuals within the groups help Rejoice in various ways such as donating to the operating costs, sponsoring students, providing essential provisions including formula milk, providing second-hand clothing (especially baby clothing) and fund raising by selling hand made craftwork.

Education and Prevention at Chiang Dao Compassionate Home.

On Saturday, 11th February 2023, Rejoice together with HIV volunteers from Chiang Dao hospital were invited to give a talk to the children of Chiang Dao Compassionate Home, a Christian Bording school catering to poor,needy families.

The objective of the meeting was to introduce the children to reproductive health and sexually transmitted diseases and how to prenent them. The meeting to take place in a non-threatening, relaxed, environment with all children hearig the same story.

By BERTIL LINTNER 7 February 2023

On a sunny summer afternoon in June 1966, a small Volkswagen Beetle made its way towards Schloss Laudon, an old castle operated as a luxury hotel in Austria’s capital Vienna. The iron gates to the estate were closely guarded by the Austrian police, but they let the vehicle pass since it carried diplomatic numberplates from the Royal Thai Embassy in Vienna.

Lunch Time

The following photos are typical of the daily lunctime at the Mae Ho daycare.

The lunch is Kao tom moo (rice soup with pork)

Khun Rath says thank you to Rejoice for their Tuesday deliveries of provisions for the children.

Warm Clothing from Karen

Karen Lee from Singapore recently sent 4 boxes of clothing and children’s toys to Rejoice for distribution to families in the communities close to the Myanmar border.

Last week we started distributing the clothing during our routine visits to Mae Ai, Chai Prakan and Chiang Dao Districts.  There are many Hill tribe communities in these areas and at this time of year the temperature drops dramatically at nighttime often to below 5 degrees C.

Daycare New Year Party

On Friday, 30th December 2022, Kru Rath, the carer at Mae Ho Daycare, together with the parents of the children organised the annual Mae Ho New Years Party. Rejoice helped by contributing to the food and presents.

The purpose of the event, besides welcoming the New Year, was to allow parents to meet each other and engage in activities together. The parents helped each other in the preparation of the food and helped in the 'bring one get one' gift exchange.

Visit to Thai-Myanmar Border

Chai Prakan, Fang and Mai Ai districts are situated on the Myanmar border and are the most northerely districts of Chiang Mai Province.
There are many isolated villages populated by many ethnic miority tribes and peoples.  Being adjcent to Shan State in Myanmar is the logical reason there are many Shan in ths part of Thailand.  Many who have fled from various military dictatorships since the ending of the second World War and the assassinations folowing the signing of the Panglong Agreement in 1947.

World Aids Day 2022

1st December is World Aids Day.

Last week Rejoice together with volunteers from Chiang Dao distrivt and Chai Prakan district made several house calls to check-up on a few vulnerable patients living in remote villages.

Wendy's Scholarship for the Twins

Wendy is a long time supporter of Rejoice and a member of "Friends of Rejoice Singapore", a social network of friends organised by her brother Wight. Wendy has a special talent for creating beautiful bead-work objects which, with a little help from her friends.
She has also been sponsoring 8 year old twins Fa and Fon who live in a small town Sanpatong.