Ko Chang for the Last Time? 🇹🇭

01/12/18 05:12

June 2018: Ko Chang – A Celebration of New Beginnings

At the end of June 2018, Tahir and I embarked on a trip to Ko Chang, seeking a well-deserved break and an opportunity to celebrate the long weekend. Little did we know that this getaway would mark one of the most defining moments in our journey together. While enjoying the island’s tranquil beaches and lush landscapes, we received the life-changing news from the Canadian Embassy—Tahir’s resettlement case had been successful. Soon, he would be leaving Thailand to start a new chapter of his life in Canada.

Suddenly, the picturesque surroundings of Ko Chang became the perfect backdrop to celebrate this incredible milestone. As the reality of his departure sank in, the trip turned into a poignant moment of reflection, joy, and bittersweet farewells. We talked endlessly about his future—his dreams, ambitions, and the opportunities that awaited him in a country where he could finally live without fear, where he could thrive and rebuild his life with dignity.

With the celebrations came the difficult realisation that our time together in Thailand was drawing to an end. After years of shared experiences, struggles, and victories, it was time to say goodbye. In the midst of the excitement, there was also a sense of loss and nostalgia—the thought of parting ways after everything we had been through together was not easy.

In those moments of transition, I found myself reflecting deeply, and I put my emotions into words in a piece I wrote at the time, which captures the significance of Tahir’s journey and what it meant to both of us:

“The day I first saw him, standing scared and confused in the middle of the market in Bangkok, I could not have imagined how much our lives would intertwine. He arrived in Thailand seeking refuge, but what he found was uncertainty, discrimination, and fear. Over the years, I watched him grow, persevere, and keep his head high despite the odds. Now, as he prepares for his departure, I am both proud and heartbroken. Proud, because he has fought tirelessly for his freedom; heartbroken, because I will miss him dearly. But above all, I am filled with hope—hope that his new life in Canada will bring him the peace and happiness he so richly deserves.”

Ko Chang, with its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and serene atmosphere, became the setting for our farewell. We soaked in every moment—whether it was walking along the shoreline, reflecting on our journey, or simply enjoying the quiet comfort of friendship. The island, already dear to both of us, became even more special as it witnessed the transition from uncertainty to hope, from fear to freedom.

As we left Ko Chang and returned to Bangkok, the reality of the impending farewell loomed closer. There were countless things to prepare, forms to fill, and plans to make. Yet, amidst it all, we held onto the joy of knowing that Tahir’s future was finally secure.

This trip was not just a weekend getaway; it was a celebration of resilience, hope, and the power of friendship. It was a reminder that even the most challenging journeys can lead to new and beautiful destinations.

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Ko Chang for the Last Time? 🇹🇭