Buddha’s Body Snatchers – Dispatches, CBC Radio

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Bangkok traffic can be murder, literally, claiming a life on average every half-hour. But, a number of Buddhist volunteers are trying to pull a few back from death’s door.

The “body snatchers,” as they’re known, patrol city streets, tending to the injured and arranging funerals for the unclaimed dead. Their relentless enthusiasm has won them praise, but it also gets them in trouble, as I learned on overnight patrol with the body snatchers of Bangkok.

Listen to the story:

 

Body snatchers Anatacha Sindhu, Hruhra Piyawat and colleague in rescue vehicle. Photo: Aaron Goodman.

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Nina & Arne – one last time…

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This story is about my cousin Arne who volunteers to help Nina. For years she worked as a nanny for Arne’s younger brother and sister. When Nina was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and moved into palliative care, Arne decided to give something back to her. I wanted to capture story about some of things they shared in difficult times and how they inspired me.

The story aired on CBC Radio, Outfront on Jan. 21, 2004 and was broadcast again on Aug. 28, 2009. When Outfront recently went off the air, it broadcast 50 of its favourite stories, and this piece was among them. In 2004, Nina & Arne won a Gabriel and a RDNDA award.

Listen:

http://www.cbc.ca/outfront/media/2009%20MP3′s/09-08-18-outfront.mp3

Foreigners aiming to topple Thai kickboxing champs

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Liam Harrison is one of very few Westerners to make it to the top ranks of competitive Thai kickboxing, also known as muay thai. He will soon face his toughest opponent yet, Saenchai Sor Kingstar, a boxing legend in Thailand reputed to be the best fighter in the world.

AFP video (28 January, 2009):

cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=11749110&ch=4226714&src=news

Prisoners with HIV, AIDS in Thailand now receive vital treatment

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For years, prisoners in Thailand suffering from HIV and AIDS were unable to access medical treatment. Many died behind bars, even though treatment was widely available outside. For the past five years, Medecins Sans Frontieres, known as MSF, has been coordinating ARV therapy and HIV/AIDS treatment programs in three Bangkok area prisons. In a few days, the Thai government will assume responsibility for all HIV/AIDS programs inside Thai prisons. 

Link to my feature for VOA News:

voanews.com/english/2008-12-30-voa13.cfm