I think we've finally put a plan together for doing this event. If you aren't familiar with Waphen Pienjai please read the background section of the post at the end.

On October 9th we'll do a TF event to raise money to give to Waphen's family. Between now and then we'll also ask people in the poker community to contribute as well.

The location and format of the event are still being worked out but we wanted to have enough lead time so we can make the event as successful as possible.

Our goal is to raise 100,000 baht for Waphen's family which we will distribute to them in a responsible manner (monthly payments vs. one lump sum).

Ked will be visiting Phetchabun during the Mother's Day holiday and she will go up and try to see Waphen's mother and possibly the children to let them know what we're trying to do.

When possible all monies raised will be public unless specifically asked to keep the donor anonymous. Our goal is to do this as transparently as possible so everyone has a good idea of what's going on with the funds and how the money is being spent.

There will be several ways people can make a contribution.

1. At the event. Exact details are still be worked out but contributions will be accepted at the event.

2. You can PayPal the money (please PM me for details/accounts)

3. You can transfer the money via a Thai bank (please PM me for details/accounts)

4. You can send funds via PokerStars or Full Tilt Poker (please PM me for details/accounts)

5. You can make a cash contribution at another TF event

Background

June of this year a Thai woman, Wanphen Pienjai, was brutally stabbed and murdered in Phuket. Her body was found stuffed in a suitcase in a deserted portion of the island.

Since the discovery of her body an American, Ron Fanelli aka The MadYank, has confessed to the crime. Fanelli is a former professional poker player who's life seems to have been on a downward spiral for some time.

Unfortunately for Wanphen he finally snapped and she just happened to be the target for many misplaced emotions.

Since his confession many Western and poker media sources have ignored Wanphen's story and focused on what a tragedy it is that this talented young man will spend the rest of his life behind bars in a Thai prison.

But Wanphen has a story too. She had two small children and a partially blind mother who relied on her for support. As an only child she was the family's sole source of income.

For more in-depth background on the story and how it's been treated in the Western media you can see the previous forum post or the post I made on my poker blog.

Also, please visit the message board for the most up-to-date information on the fund raising and other details.  We will mostly be using the message board for official communications.  

good job Bill ... I will look foward to seeing the details and might be lucky enough to join in!

Thanks, Danno

ok, waiting for your further notice...