---

Among the widows of the South
........................................­....................

Raks Thai Foundation and its allies have been reaching out to widows of Deep South violence.

During the past decade, more than 2,500 women in Thailand's three southern most provinces have lost their husbands.

Pennapa Kongdee the foundation's coordinator in the three southern provinces, say, "Compensation money from the state (for losses

stemming from the violence) just covers the short term. These women need more than that, such as legal aid, vocational skills and help

in acquiring the assistance from state agencies that they're entitled to."

Rosanaming Waedaraseh, who was widowed eight years ago, says, "Following my husband's death, my family lost our grocery store."
Mariam Soyingl, 44, "My husband was shot in 2006 and I now need to fend for our three children."

Path isa Yiwaeni, 36, has become her family's breauwinner ever since her husband was killed and one of her daughters was injured in a

2004 attack. "I am trying to earn money to support my family and my children's education.