Hello, my name is Sukanya Saetung (Mint). I am a single mother serving full-time with Rak Teh Ministry, a project under YWAM in Bangkok, Thailand.
I was born in Isaan, the northeastern region of Thailand, and grew up in a poor and uneducated family. At the age of 15, I became pregnant, and by 19, I was a single mother.
Overwhelmed by the heavy responsibility of providing for my family and having little education, I made the painful decision to work in prostitution in Bangkok. It was never the life I wanted, and it left deep scars on my heart and body. Yet out of love and duty toward my family, I endured it.
In 2012, my life changed forever. I heard about Jesus, chose to believe in Him, and decided to leave sex work behind. The journey was not easy. During my first year, I struggled with addiction to drugs and alcohol, unhealthy relationships, and deep shame. But God’s grace was greater than my struggles. Through the faithful prayers, encouragement, and love of my Christian community, I found strength to persevere. God’s Word began healing my wounds and restoring my identity. I discovered my true worth in His eyes.
As I met women still trapped in prostitution, my heart broke. Their stories reflected my own painful past before I knew Jesus. In that moment, I sensed a clear calling from God. He filled my heart with compassion and gratitude for His saving grace-the grace that lifted me out of darkness. I knew I could not remain silent. I wanted to proclaim the same love, hope, and freedom that Jesus had given me.
Since then, I have dedicated my life to reaching out to women working in the red-light areas of Bangkok.
Each week, I go into the Phra Nakhon area, especially the Trok Sake community in Bangkok, to build relationships with women working in the sex trade. Our heart is to invite them into a safe and loving community at the Rak Teh Ministry Center.
Every Monday, we gather for a storytelling Bible study, sharing a meal, praying, and encouraging one another. Every Friday, we open our home as a place of rest-offering food, coffee, English lessons, games, nail care, counseling, and support.
We also assist women who are sick, living with HIV, or in vulnerable situations by helping them access medical care, accompanying them to the hospital, teaching them how to take medication properly, and providing basic health education. For women who desire to leave sex work, we connect them with vocational training and job opportunities for a new beginning.
On Tuesdays, we go out for street outreach, meeting women and the homeless where they are. We offer free manicures, haircuts, second-hand clothing, and hygiene supplies, while sharing the Good News of Jesus and praying with those who desire prayer.
Every Thursday, I volunteer with Samaritan Creations, reaching out in the red-light bars of Bangkok, building relationships, introducing women to job opportunities, and serving as a mentor and Bible teacher in the program.
Our ministry follows the example of Jesus in Luke 5:29–32, where He chose to sit and eat with those rejected by society. We believe authentic love restores dignity, renews hope, and transforms lives.
I invite you to partner with me in this ministry of hope and transformation. Your support-through prayer or financial giving-can make a lasting impact in the lives of women seeking freedom and a new beginning. Together, we can share God’s love, bring light into dark places, and help women discover their God-given worth and potential.
All glory to God, Jesus Christ.
With gratitude,
Mint Sukanya 🤍