Ever thought about walking 700+ km by foot? Sounds wild, right? But that’s exactly what 46‑year‑old Piya from Ratchaburi did—all to free himself from a cannabis addiction that had gripped his life for years.
With just one spare set of clothes, Piya set off on foot toward Chiang Mai. No fancy shoes, no luxury lodging—just courage, determination, and a burning goal: break free from cannabis. He financed his trek by collecting empty cans and selling them for food. At night, he’d sleep wherever he could find refuge—temples, roadside shelters, or even police stations.
Why Walk Such a Distance?
A Symbolic Fresh Start
Piya wasn’t just craving movement—he craved transformation. He’d successfully quit harder drugs—meth, opiates, alcohol—but cannabis remained his toughest hurdle. So he chose a journey that symbolized both escape and rebirth: walking across Thailand to reset his mind and environment.
Family as Constant Fuel
Every mile carried his 74‑year‑old mother’s voice and his sister’s encouragement via daily phone calls. Their unwavering belief wasn’t just emotional support—it became the engine that propelled him forward, step after exhausting step.
Daily Struggles and Official Assistance
Survival on the Move
Imagine walking over 400 km—that’s nearly two-thirds through the 20‑day journey’s halfway mark. Piya faced blistered feet, hunger, thirst, exhaustion, and the weight of carrying it all on his shoulders.
Help Along the Way
On June 9, near Sukhothai, Thailand’s narcotics control board (ONCB) from Regions 5 and 6, along with health workers, local authorities, and volunteers, found him. They treated his injuries, provided food, water, and pain relief, and even gave him a new phone to stay connected with his family.
It was more than medical aid—it was a message: he wasn’t alone. That kind of intervention showed how personal resilience and community support can intertwine, strengthening someone’s life-altering mission.
Turning Insults into Fuel
People on the road often questioned him. “Isn’t that just weed?” they’d challenge. But Piya flipped that doubt into motivation. Every skeptical smirk or discouraging comment became a brick in his wall of determination.
Now, entrenched in his journey, Piya’s mission isn’t solely about quitting cannabis. It’s about reinventing himself—healing physically, mentally, and socially—and eventually starting fresh with a job and stable life in Chiang Mai.
The Journey So Far – Milestone Table
| Milestone | Detail |
|---|---|
| Start Point | Ratchaburi, Central Thailand |
| End Goal | Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand |
| Distance | ~700 km (some say 800 km) |
| Elapsed Days | ~20 days into journey |
| Distance Covered | ~400 km+ by June 9 |
| Support System | Family calls daily; ONCB, health workers, local help at Sukhothai |
| Living Expenses | Selling empty cans |
| Shelter | Temples, roadside huts, police stations |
| Endgame | Quit cannabis, rebuild life, find job in Chiang Mai |
The Ripple Effect – Why This Story Matters
Changing Perceptions of Cannabis Addiction
A lot of people brush cannabis addiction aside as a joke—when Piya said it was his hardest addiction to quit, some scoffed. But experts and ordinary folks alike have begun to see that cannabis isn’t always “harmless” . It’s more complex, and to Piya, it was the final battle.
Walking as Therapy
The concept isn’t new: moving physically to reset mentally isn’t just poetic—it works. When you strip away comfort zones, you’re forced into reflection: every step becomes meditation, every mile is an inner conversation.
Highlighting Gaps in Support Systems
Piya’s journey shines a light on a gap. He had to walk himself into help. Should he have needed to trek hundreds of kilometres to access support? That question lingers—and maybe it can spur authorities and communities to strengthen addiction treatment access.
What Happens Next?
Chiang Mai: A Chance at Renewal
Reaching Chiang Mai isn’t an endpoint but a beginning. He plans to find work, maybe start fresh in a new community, away from old temptations. His mother even suggested he ride back by bike—symbolizing a life rebuilt. But Piya seems more inclined to keep walking, perhaps to prove just how far he’s willing to go to change.
Support After the Trek
Long-term success often depends not just on the bold act but what follows. Will Piya find stable housing? Job training? Ongoing counseling? These are the real tests of transformation.
Lessons Learned from Piya’s Walk
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Resilience is intentional: Piya chose the hard path—and that choice made the victory meaningful.
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Support is essential: One phone call from family kept him going on the darkest days.
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Self-reliance is powerful—but communities matter: Official aid was the checkpoint that renewed his strength.
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Symbolic action fuels real change: Walking wasn’t just physical—it was mental and spiritual rehabilitation.
Conclusion
Piya’s over‑700 km journey isn’t about distance—it’s about dedication. It’s about proving to himself (and the world) that habits, no matter how rooted, can be uprooted—with the right combination of grit, support, context, and determination.
This isn’t just a Thai news story—it’s a universal one. Whether it’s walking across a country to quit cannabis, moving cities to escape old patterns, or starting therapy to break cycles—it’s proof: major change often requires major steps.