Subject: So. Studies/Sciences: Geography/Cultures

The Southeast Asia Series

Thailand: Father Joe (Klong Toey)

"Recommended. Father Joe is an American Redemptorist monk who has spent years living and working in one of Thailand's largest slums, Klong Toey (also Toei). This program does a good job of picturing people who are successfully trying to pull themselves out of a swamp to become more than slum dwellers." -VRG Review
Sadly, there are controversies surrounding priesthood within the Catholic Church; however, one must not forget there are also many priests who dedicate their lives to their beliefs. One example is Father Joseph Maier, aka as the "Father Teresa" of Bangkok, Thailand's slums, who has dedicated his life as an American Redemptorist monk, offering missionary assistance to the poor, ill and needy in one of Thailand's largest slums, Klong Toey (also Toei). Back in 1974, Father Joe began a non-denominational, community based outreach project in Bangkok's slum communities with the assistance of Sister Maria Chantavarodom; today, his Mercy Centre continues as a shelter for street kids and a home and hospice for mothers and children with AIDS. This classic documentary offers a memorable look at Father Joe, visiting him on-location within the slums when he was a younger man determined to face his calling, no matter how difficult the challenges. Produced by Canthai Productions. 2010DR/CL JSCA 30 min.
Also See: Back to the Village; Asia 4: Thailand - Bangkok; Thailand: Bangkok - The Venice of the East; Thailand: The Magic of Thailand; Thailand: Mr. Yao and the Crocodiles
Assoociated Book: Welcome to the Bangkok Slaughterhouse: The Battle for Human Dignity in Bangkok's Bleakest Slums