My father was born into a middle class family and he lived in a village near my mother. He was the eldest son. He had one brother and one sister.

My father was a Thai boxer. He boxed in different provinces and also in neighboring countries. Every time he traveled he was gone for two or three months or more.

While my father was away my mother stayed home, took care of the baby, and worked.

My father knew many people when he was a boxer. Some liked him, but some did not.

One day he was stabbed in the stomach. After that, my father couldn’t go back to boxing, and could not do hard work.

He started drinking more than before.

He was also a playboy. One time he took a lady home with him and told my mother this was his other wife. My mother was deeply hurt. She didn’t accept them being together, so he and the lady left. He did not come back home for a couple of months.

Father had many ladies because he was charming and seemed like a nice man. After he won a fight, he would throw a celebration party. He was a good fighter and loved the sport.

My father was very nice and kind to people, but not to my family. He was ok when he did not drink, but when he drank he became another person.

When he got drunk, I had to hide or run away from him.

I sometimes would climb up a tamarind tree, because I knew he could never get me.

There was never any peace in our family.

It was often me and mom crying together. And I looked up at the sky and asked, “Why do I have a father like him?” and many more questions. I never got an answer.

I would dream of getting a higher education so I could get a good job and save money to buy a house. Get my mom out of there.

I liked to go into the forest with my mom, where it was quiet and peaceful, to get away from my father.

But I have forgiven my Father. I still love him.

• Her Life Story