"Treachery, Tragedy & Resilience" - A rural Thailand story

One day Lele received a horrible phone call, tragedy had struck her family in the village in Isan, rural Thailand....
A treacherous, tragic, singular event altered the course of Lele's whole life.. and also that of 3 young Thai boys.
Filmed in the her childhood village, Ubon Ratchatani, whilst I spent a week camping and living with her 3 orphaned nephews. This is a hard story to tell and some of it is not easy to hear. I've tried to soften the watch but interspersing hopeful and joyous clips hanging out with the young thai boys as well as the documented the funny aspects of rural life in a remote Thailand farming village.
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[@keepitrollin3977]

Lele awesome lady.shes a keeper.thai life tough times.but thais r strong.god bless.keep it rollin

[@franksaunders6534]

Thanks Sam for sharing so much of LeLe's story - she certainly is resilient!

[@GoneAdrift]

Cheers Mr Frank

[@gloofisearch]

Woow, what a story. Treat her good and she will be there for you and the family as long as you live. What an amazing woman. Thanks for sharing.

[@nickweekes9595]

Familiar stories in Thailand. My wife worked from 12 year old, went to Bangkok at 14 to be a nanny then on to Pattaya to send money home for her family including her young daughter. Even now she came to UK when we married and she still supports her family by working hard.

[@plasticcandelabra7486]

Thank you for saying "took his own life" instead of bleeping it. Its a very real thing, and bleeping just increases stigma and secrecy instead of opening conversations.

[@GoneAdrift]

I agree

[@Newdaynewlifenewme]

Lele respect. Sam respect. Keep helping other. Keep giving. Keep loving. Respect.

[@YelliNelliWellbeing]

Mate your clearly a great fella and LeLes a lovely lady. Just be careful as the phrase goes - give someone an inch they will take a mile. Especially in Issan. I really hope I'm wrong !!!

[@ThaiOnlyPans]

Wow, there are so many things to unpack from this video, firstly to leave her home at 14 to work, then her enormous loss and obligation, what an incredible women. those poor kids to have lost their mum under those circumstances....nothing but upmost respect to Lele and the family and extended village of support. I watched one of your earlier video's when you did up your own car prior to sale in Australia and I am sure you will be able to get the truck sorted for the family. I live in Bangkok, is there a link to your partners design business ? End of the day I hope viewers realise one you never know a persons journey that has led them to the moment you see them, I will be in Pattaya in April, I would love meet you both.

[@GoneAdrift]

Please drop us a line when you’re close! And thank you

[@vktravellog1242]

Wow what a great story! Lele is an amazing woman and is definitely a keeper! I see a bright future for you both!

[@puggsincyberspace]

Cool video mate, thanks for the shout out...

[@GoneAdrift]

No thank you!!

[@puggsincyberspace]

@@GoneAdrift when do you go back up?

[@GoneAdrift]

@@puggsincyberspace Going to fly back in April to help do some paperwork stuffs

[@thegypsysoul]

What a great video Sam. Could really hear the emotion in your voice.

[@GoneAdrift]

Yeah I realise in hindsight it’s a bit much, but I guess I’m pretty affected at the tail end of a week here

[@thegypsysoul]

@GoneAdrift Mate seems to me you've spent a big chunk of your life looking out for others, not surprising this hits you hard.

[@keithmuckchucker6468]

Bloody awesome what your doing Sam showing people the real Thailand to many think Pattaya IS Thailand What Lele is doing raising her sisters children as well as her own daughter seems to happen a fair bit in country Thailand, Lele is a fighter and family is very important to Thai people, keep up the good work mate. when we move to Thailand we also want to try and help the less fortunate in some way🙏🙏

[@GoneAdrift]

I’ll catch you when you get here! Haha :)

[@alandaniel1082]

Lele is a legend not many could handle that most would have been broken trying to do what she has done, thanks to Aunties for there support so many girls have similar stories i guess you soldier on but this is another level.

[@Grimreapervlogs]

Such a tragic situation to happen Lele is a amazing women. Brought a little tear to my face watching it but seeing the boys happy changed it to a smile. Keep up the amazing things your doing bro

[@lordrossmacca]

Amazing and sad at the same time. Lele is a great sister and so lucky to have you in her life

[@Pfit111]

I've just stumbled across your channel. I'm an Aussie too by the way. Thank you for your content, you're a good guy I can see already!

[@Newdaynewlifenewme]

Good good good amazing super human. Respect.

[@JasonFreney]

Impressive video buddy! You are certainly increasing the quality. I enjoyed watching Le Le's journey. Nice job!

[@matthewfriedewald8551]

I can appreciate what you're having to go through for Love brother. It cannot be easy for you. I've noticed you catching some not so friendly looks on these family vids. New love is hard enough, especially with your scenario... but with having to overcome the sins of someone else in the past besides... you're a good man brother. Thank you for sharing the adventure with us. Safe journey

[@aussie2478]

That's what I love about the Thai people they are so family committed. I've spoke to many Thai's over thee years and its the same response. All about family. You don't see that in a lot of western countries. sad but nice vid mate.

[@brettmichael1916]

Thanks for sharing this story Sam, these types of vids are the best! 🍻

[@rogerallen2264]

A true Film Maker 👌. You're a natural Sam, keep up the great work they just keep getting better and better. Cheers!

[@calvinturner2395]

Bro awesome 🎉 love this work

[@rjleaman1]

Sam, I appreciate you sharing LeLe’s story with us. She is an amazing woman!

[@GoneAdrift]

Thank you Mr RJ

[@user-kz9rp3pq2z]

Great vlog Sam! Thank you for sharing.

[@vasgtfluffy]

Great video sam. Enjoyed how Lele shared some off her life. Shes a fighter and deserves someone as supporting as you. Keep up the good work mate and look forward to more of your videos.

[@EarthCamper]

Thank you for sharing Lele's story. Very beautifully put together in video

[@RJ986S]

Thanks for a solid video, Sam. You are a good man.

[@danielj3010]

That is a wild story.. God Bless you!

[@percyfilth7841]

Great work Sammy and LeLe

[@tonyh6846]

Cheers mate, heart braking scenario, but Lele stepped up and held the family together. 🙂

[@MattSmith-qn9cv]

Thankyou Dion for helping out Lele is a amazing person to step up and support her nephews, a insightful video Sam

[@daveduffy2292]

Your a good man brother. Thanks for sharing your story. Your videos are great.

[@foxmulder4560]

Thank you for sharing Leles story.

[@JustinSalisbury-nt7pb]

Great vlog What an awesome lady LeLe is, vlogs are getting very impressive

[@PaulT27]

Very interesting Sam and it shows how vigilante and such good people thai people are . Hats of to Dion for the donation . All the best for you and the family.

[@rastaph]

Sad story with at least a happy ending for her nephews. You are doing good work helping her with her family.

[@Skenners]

damn, man. You're definitely punching above your weight class with LeLe, Sammy! shes a keeper! Another cracker of a vid, mate. Keep at it and all the love to you, LeLe and her family.

[@Skenners]

@@andrewmoss1135 its a joke, calm your tits (cue "HOW DO I HAVE TITS???!"). Sam is a fantastic guy that deserves a person like Lele on every level.

[@deansta822]

He’s the ATM now!

[@BuriramBaz]

​@@deansta822..what a great thing to say,with your Thai wife,are you not hers?!

[@RickThaisLandofsmiles]

Was great to catch up with you guys today,

[@GoneAdrift]

Nice to bump into ya!!

[@jeffm7294]

Thai's resilience of under a terrible situation is beyond amazing! And very humbling as a westerner to witness! Keep up the good work!

[@louisedwards7042]

Absolutely love your videos mate

[@GoneAdrift]

Cheers Louis!

[@BrokeIsanFarang]

Great video mate, That water park is fun i broke my leg in that water park in 2022 ,

[@irabankston3390]

I really enjoy watching your vlogs😊

[@GoneAdrift]

Many thanks Ira 🙏🏻

[@deansta822]

3-4 kids to look after now Sam, you’ve certainly jumped in the deep end after only a short time settling into Thailand. The ATM has been found. BTW, I have a Thai wife (no kids) myself from Issan.

[@stephenmullally6498]

Your a lucky man you’ve found a good girl there,Thai people love the family so much,look after her mate 👍

[@theresafry3514]

I love LeLe.

[@iain_nz.]

glad to see your happy :)

[@tobyprice1092]

Sad story about your girlfriends sister and good on her for taking care of the kids. We have two nephews who live with me and the missus and have done since they were babies. My wife and I look after them. Lets just say their parents were not up to the job. If they have UK citizenships that may be a plan for the future although who wants to leave Thailand. Good video mate.

[@svenw.6918]

We drove from Chiang Mai to Ubon Ratchathani this week with the scooter. Tomorrow we will drive to Sam Phan Bok and Pha Chana Dai. Its beautiful here and the people are very Friendly. You're girlfriend did a great job taking care of the boys while she also have a kid of her own to raise.

[@anthony7091]

What type of scooter?

[@svenw.6918]

@@anthony7091 Honda Forza 300

[@svenw.6918]

​@@anthony7091 Honda forza 300😊

[@anthony7091]

@@svenw.6918 great bike 👍

[@GoneAdrift]

Safe travels on those crazy roads bro

[@martinlift3315]

Ohhh Det udom is where my thai side of the family is from :) Very quiet and local area. This lake can almost see laos :) Very nice food and good for smaller children to play:) This video brings me back to my thai family thank you 😊

[@mikemcneil5647]

Tragic story but also great hope for the kids with Lele and all doing the best they can with what they have. Good on you for getting involved, hope you get a decent price for the Hilux.

[@gacattack1234]

Bankok Hilton, Free Hotel... Nice!

[@FollowingtheJourneyLifeStyle]

That looks like a cool town. I like Udon Thani but that place also looks cool.

[@veclubby]

It takes a special person to do what Lele has done

[@robertgordon2110]

❤❤❤

[@donnafayeallday0]

I felt like I was watching a documentary on tv 😊❤

[@curtchesnutt4992]

#Whatanamazingwomen!

[@Blue_Dawg]

How much are they asking for the Hilux pickup truck? I may be interested. 🙏

[@GoneAdrift]

About 180k I think. It owes so much :(

[@appraisingil]

where does her daughter live? with you guys or back in Isan so far from her.

[@GoneAdrift]

@@appraisingil Daughter had to move to the village while we tore apart the house in Pattaya getting it ready to lease out. Now she loves the village, has started high school and doesn’t want to move back to Pattaya!? Go figure

[@evansmusic2009]

Wow.... Big property and home, and even the dunny looks like luxury in comparison to the tin shed in the farm I stayed at last time in Det Udon.... The shower was a barrel and pan in a grassy area (the big blue plastic barrel type!)... I still miss there but since I bought my place in Jomtien I never had chance to visit... Missed a friends marriage, etc... I need more time!!... The lake is great.... Have you tried any of the REAL local food yet? Wait - youre vegetarian - how (in)convenient 😂.... 50% chilli with everything though... Its an acquired taste - from both ends, especially during songkran whilst there is more whisky and rum than water available to drink!

[@GoneAdrift]

Hahahaaa fantastic!!

[@JP.Travelz]

Seatbelt bruh 😂😂

[@anthonycarney7849]

A hard life if only there was more like fed the world would be a better place I am sorry I can’t give any money I had a big stroke and I get befits but I do the lottery every week I have saved this blog so if I get lucky u a all will be winners as well

[@GoneAdrift]

Gosh you’re kind brother! We appreciate your support in the comments regardless. Take care 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@akeman21]

Sam, I always enjoy your videos but I feel this start to be a begging video. Don't take this wrong. Just chill about money.

[@GoneAdrift]

I hear ya matey. And honestly, there’s probably a bit of that going on too. I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by the human need here just at the moment

[@akeman21]

@@GoneAdrift Thanks for quick reply and honesty. 🙏