Have you seen the film
We would like to close 2019 by sharing the story of activist Chanoknan. We sincerely hope that all of you spend the end of the year feeling the beauty of this world together with the people you love.
(This was written by Chanoknan in English and translated into Korean.)
Q. Please introduce yourself briefly.
A. Hello. I am Chanoknan Ruamsap. People usually call me by my nickname, “Toon.” I started working with MAP as an intern in November 2019. I was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand. I began working as a democracy and human rights activist in 2012, when I was a university student. In January 2018, I came to Korea to seek asylum, and here I became a refugee. For about two years after arriving in Korea I lived in Gwangju, and then I left Gwangju and came to Seoul to start working with MAP.
Q. Please tell us about the things Toon likes!
A. Politics, human rights issues, beer, chocolate, and sleep. When I was in Thailand, I used to drink beer with friends at a bar and talk about politics, go home and sleep, and then get up in the morning and spend time eating chocolate 😊
Q. What led you to start working with MAP?
A. Since becoming a refugee, I have faced many difficulties living in Korea. So I wanted to do work that helps refugees living in Korea have better lives, and I wanted to change this society into a place with a more open mind about refugees and diversity. I also wanted to fight against all kinds of discrimination in Korea. I thought that working with MAP was a good way to do these things.
Q. What work do you do at MAP?
A. I am an intern. So basically I do almost everything people ask me to do: contacting people, the Human Library, event planning, and preparing for events and campaigns. I also make card news for refugees and post it online. I am the most recent member to join MAP, so I am learning as much as I can.
Q. Is there a scene that you remember most from your time at MAP?
A. It was when I went to Jeonju for the Human Library in the first week of December 2019. It was my first visit to Jeonju, and I came to love the people there (the citizens of Jeonju) very much. They were super nice and kind, and passionate about refugee issues. They had open minds. I felt truly welcomed, and it made a huge impression on me. I definitely want to go there again.
Q. What is the special charm of MAP?
A. Warmth and welcome! MAP is like a family. We care for and look after each other not only about work but also about life.
Q. Finally, please tell us anything you wish for MAP or want to say.
A. As a refugee, I am grateful for your work, because it means a lot to refugees. The information MAP provides to refugees is really helpful. As a member of MAP, I want to say thank you for welcoming me as a member of the family.
