Hi everyone!

My name is Molly Thapviwat, and I’m an emerging writer, poet, and English teacher based in Bangkok, Thailand. I grew up in Los Angeles, but after graduating high school, I returned to Thailand to help my mother reunite with her mother — my grandmother — who had been living alone for many years. After she passed away in 2016, I remained in Thailand, caring for my elderly parents while working as an English teacher and writer.

I’m thrilled to share that my poetry has been shortlisted for the Wigtown Poetry Prize, part of the prestigious Wigtown Book Festival held annually in Scotland. Out of hundreds of international entries, I’ve been selected as one of six finalists—and my poem is now in the running for 1st or 2nd place! I’ve been invited to attend the award ceremony on October 3, 2025, where the winners will be announced.

Here’s the official shortlist. You can see my name among the six finalists in the Wigtown International Prize category.

This isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s the first real step toward the writing life I’ve dreamed of for years. I’m currently working on my first novel, and this recognition from Wigtown is deeply affirming. The festival runs from September 26 to October 5, 2025.

My Background

I’ve taught English for 14 years, starting at 19 as a teenage tutor. Since 2020, I’ve run my own online English courses, helping students from all backgrounds build confidence in conversation, writing, and test prep (SAT, IELTS, TOEIC).

I studied Psychology for Education and later earned teaching and writing certifications across the UK, including from UAL, Middlesex University, Language Links London, and the Liverpool School of English (CertTESOL, 2017).

English wasn’t my first language, but after growing up and attending school in the U.S., it became my second home—and, in many ways, my best friend. I’ve spent my career helping others find their voice in it, too.

Completing my CertTESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) qualification at the Liverpool School of English.

My Love for Writing

I began writing stories and poems at the age of nine, drawn to the emotional depth of English in ways I couldn’t fully express—even in Thai. That tension—between the language I was born into and the one I write in—still shapes my work.

But for a long time, writing had to wait.

I teach full-time, often 3–5 classes a day from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. I’m also the sole provider for my family and caregiver for my elderly parents (my father is 86, my mother 70). There was never time—or so I thought.

In 2024, I stopped waiting and started writing again — every night from midnight to 3 a.m. I began submitting to literary magazines and competitions, and slowly the work found its way into the world: published, recognized, and now shortlisted for this award.

Why I Need Your Help

Being shortlisted for the Wigtown Poetry Prize and invited to the award ceremony is a tremendous honor—but without financial support, I won’t be able to attend.

Before the pandemic, I was able to fund all my trips to the UK on my own. But like many families, we were hit hard by COVID-19. My income from guest lecturing and running English camps disappeared — especially as the world became more immersed in AI and technology. With caregiving responsibilities at home, international travel is simply out of reach without help.

What Your Support Will Cover

I’m raising $3,500 USD to cover the costs of attending the Wigtown Poetry Prize award ceremony and the Wigtown Book Festival in Scotland, which runs from September 26 to October 5, 2025. The award ceremony will take place on October 3. The amount will help cover:

• Flights and ground transportation

• Accommodation and meals

• Basic living expenses during my stay

• Visa application and travel insurance

• Temporary caregiving support for my parents while I’m away.

Every contribution—large or small—will bring me closer to attending this life-changing event and taking the next step in my literary journey. This isn’t just about the chance of winning. It’s about showing up in the literary world I’ve worked toward quietly and persistently for years.

From My Heart

If you’ve read this far—thank you.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you believe in second chances, quiet perseverance, or the power of words, I’d be deeply grateful for your support.

With love and gratitude,

Molly

Note: Since GoFundMe doesn’t yet allow direct bank transfers to Thailand, my sister Ammy is listed as the beneficiary solely to handle the funds in the U.S. before wiring them to me. Please rest assured, I remain the organizer and the true recipient of your generous support.