I watched it last night. The couple seemed extremely naive this was highlighted with him breaking down upon seeing the streets of Pattaya. They also appeared to have done very little research before they went out there. I’m not sure what they thought they were going to achieve especially if they couldn't even bring themselves to face the streets of Pattaya. Their attitude also did seem to be one of western superiority.

Their idea that education could solve the problems they encountered missed the point that it is just as important to create opportunities where that education can be put to some use.

The scene with her on the bus picking up the children was slightly disturbing. The way she was talking it felt that what was most important to her was to be needed. Also the job she was doing on the bus could have been done by a local who could have got paid for it.

They could have helped that disabled lady by not just helping to re-house her but by supporting her to find a way to make a regular income so she could pay her own rent.

I did like her comment though on giving people choices, which really is what it is all about. Education and opportunities provide people with real choices.

At least they cared and their year in Thailand will at least give them the chance to return to Northern Ireland and raise money for the charity they volunteered for, leaving the work in Thailand to the people who know how to tackle the problems, namely the Thais, supported by professionals in the development field.

interview with couple after their return to ireland for irish TV

this is their charity that they have set up called kate's project

it seems like they have done some good work since their return from thailand.

case 1, appears to be some good work, buying a noddle cart so the family can be self reliant

Also the 'center of hope' sounds like a good idea, maybe the forum could make a donation!