There are many Christian asylum seekers of Thailand, particularly in Bangkok. The UN says there are about 7000 Pakistani Christians in the Country but
many believe the figure is much higher. Because these Christians do not have refugee status, they are not allowed to work, and so have no legal income.
One sufferer is Hanook Rehan, the 8 year old son of Rehan Maqbool. He had been suffering an itching complaint for the past several months and
was diagnosed with scabies. His hands were covered with red spots and a painful rash which have left severe and marks due to the awful skin disease.
Hanook was admitted to Rajavithi Hospital from 29th December 2015 till 8th January 2016. His treatment costs 13,000 Baht of which the Bangkok Refugee
Center (BRC) paid 5,000 Baht (100 Pounds). The family are living off handouts and were unable to pay the balance. The hospital staff recognising their
inability to pay agreed terms for payment by installments.
Without any employment or parmanent support, the family were unable even to pay the installment. Kazia Rehan, older sister of Hanook Rehan spoke to
Christian Malik our officer in Bangkok and said:
“I am really worried for my brother; his hands bear cuts due to the aggressive itching. Gladly the hospital didn’t ask for advance payments so my brother
was able to receive treatment, during his 10 days at hospital. but now we are faced with a huge bill with no means to pay it. We are scared that
we might arrested for non-payment and then placed in the Immigration Detention Centre.”
Christian Malik was very upset after hearing about Hanook. He said, “While Pakistani Christians hardly make two ends meet, medical costs are a burden to them. Hanook’s case is one of the many people who are suffering from skin infections in the tropical environment of Thailand. Many people don’t focus on it because of the inability to pay the medical bills. We pray that the Lord will provide for Hanook’s remaining medical bills and will make arrangements for people who remain out of the limelight.”
After a discussion with one of our partners Voice of the Persecuted we were able to offer the cost of the treatment to the victim family.
Hanook Rehan in hospital.
Hanook’s hands before the treament.