Philip K. Arthur: President of Ghanaian Community in Thailand Speaks Amidst Earthquake and Challenges
Philip K. Arthur, a Ghanaian based in Thailand, serves as the president of the Ghanaian community in Thailand. In a recent interview with DJ Nyaami on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide Show, he shared his personal experiences, including his thoughts on his first-ever interview and the earthquake he encountered in Thailand.
On a Friday at around 1:30 PM, while out shopping, Philip felt suddenly dizzy. Initially, he thought it was due to not eating, but soon realized that there was something more serious happening. People around him were rushing out of buildings, speaking in a language he couldn’t understand. Noticing the situation escalating, he decided to leave the area on his motorbike, but as he was about to leave, he received a notification on his phone that there had been an earthquake.
The earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.7, originated in Myanmar, not Thailand, but it still had significant effects in Thailand. Tall buildings swayed, causing panic among the people. Two people were reported to have died in an incomplete building due to the quake. This was Philip’s first experience with such a strong earthquake, and he recalls the trauma it caused among many people. He also mentioned that his friend, who lives on the 36th floor of a building, felt the tremors. After the earthquake, the elevators were not functioning, and people had to use the stairs.
When Philip got home, he noticed that all the people in his building had gathered outside. The residents waited for 12 hours until they were finally allowed to return to their apartments. The earthquake occurred in Bangkok, and it caused widespread distress, particularly among the Ghanaian community, as they were checking on each other to ensure everyone was safe. Many people found it difficult to return to their homes, with some even choosing to stay in hotels. Cracks were noticed in some buildings, but fortunately, there were no major casualties.
Philip explained that although earthquakes are not common in the region, the magnitude of this one was significant, and it served as a wake-up call. He further noted that the area is not traditionally an earthquake zone, but with the earthquake occurring on water, it raised concerns about the potential for future disasters.
Philip also shared his experiences dealing with Chinese employers who have been known to deceive workers. These workers were initially told that they would be working in Myanmar and Thailand in office-based jobs. However, upon arrival, they were informed that their actual work was outside Thailand in a border town, and their only option was to work illegally and pay to stay. This scam exploits people, especially Americans and Brazilians, who are tricked into believing they have secured legitimate employment.
Philip went on to explain that these deceptive employers often lure workers by sending false messages, promising them good opportunities, only to exploit them once they arrive. He pointed out that the Thai government, in collaboration with Chinese employers, continues to take advantage of vulnerable workers. The negotiations for workers’ rights are very difficult, and once people get to these countries, their situations become even more challenging.
Philip also mentioned that many Ghanaians in Thailand face serious hardships. The Thai government has made efforts to assist, and some Ghanaians have been able to leave, thanks to intervention from the Malaysian embassy. However, the situation remains tense, with many Ghanaians being exploited by unscrupulous employers.
He noted that some of the social media pressure people feel, especially from posts about the “glamorous” life abroad, is misleading. Many of the realities shown on social media are far from the truth. Despite the apparent success stories, many migrants are dealing with severe challenges, and social media doesn’t always portray the difficult lives they lead.
In conclusion, Philip K. Arthur emphasizes the need for better awareness and support for those traveling abroad, especially in countries like Thailand, where exploitation is rampant. He remains hopeful that things will improve for Ghanaians abroad but warns that desperation and misinformation are making it harder for people to achieve their dreams.
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