Grief-stricken Thai boy performs music live on FB to raise funds for dad’s funeral

BANGKOK (The Nation/Asia News Network): A 12-year-old street musician performed live on his Facebook page for his late father, to raise donations for the funeral.

The boy, Chanadej Khiewsen, who has been singing and playing guitar on streets since he was five, went live on his Facebook page on Tuesday (Feb 15) night.

He informed his fans that his father, Chatchai Khiewsen, had died of cancer and he needed money for his funeral.

“The day I don’t want to come has arrived. But Dad told me to live in the world of reality. I would like to do this for Dad for the last time. I’m performing a live concert for Dad. Today, I’m begging for Dad’s funeral. I don’t want to use this term at all,” he posted in the description of his Facebook Live section.

He was seen playing music with tears in his eyes. For some moments, he was choked with emotion.

The boy lived with his father alone and he has been playing music on roadsides since he was five years old. Initially, he played for donations for his school expenses.

But during the past several months, his father was diagnosed with cancer so the boy played music to raise donations for the medical cost of treating his father.

Chanadej once took part in a music competition for kids in the Kidzaa TV programme. He has been playing guitar and singing at Chatuchak Weekend Market and Siam Square, and has become a recognised figure.

His fans often shot clips of him playing music and posted them on YouTube. After his father became ill, he played music on his Facebook page instead of going out.

Those who are interested can transfer money to Kasikornbank account No. 0771212867