Corona crisis and charity actions in Thailand

Many people in Thailand have lost their jobs due to the corona crisis. That means no income or at least too little money to buy food for themselves, family and children. As a loyal reader of Thailandblog, you are certainly aware of this, because we have paid attention to it a few times.

That attention was paid to a number of catering entrepreneurs, who, from their own almost empty pockets and contributions from fellow entrepreneurs, have started handing out food packages and water to the less fortunate people in their neighborhood. If you can speak of success in this context, then it was certainly a great success. Large numbers of mainly Thai people made grateful use of these generous gifts. Thanks to a growing number of sponsors, these campaigns could be continued, because “tomorrow” is another day and then we have to eat again.

More entrepreneurs and individuals started an action in their neighborhood and wrote beautiful stories with beautiful, but sometimes poignant photos on Facebook, for example. I saw promotions from Dutch, Belgian, French, English, Indian and German restaurants and pubs in Pattaya, but also in Bangkok, Hua Hin, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen. Heart-warming, all the more so because many people, who could spare money, could now contribute to an action in their neighbourhood. In addition, many other campaigns are being carried out, which receive little or no publicity, but do alleviate a (very small) part of the need. I know of actions by several Lions and Rotary chapters, Mascotte Thailand in Bangkok, the Philanthropy Connections Foundation in Chiang Mai, a club of Pakistani entrepreneurs in Pattaya and the Norwegian Sjømannskirken (Seamen's Church), also in Pattaya, but there are many more people engaged in the most rewarding work of the food supply.

The editors of Thailandblog have received several requests in recent weeks to support certain campaigns with a posting. Such a call would then include contact details and how one can make a contribution. We have waived that. If one were called such an action, then another cannot be denied. It wouldn't be possible to keep track of it on the blog.

In addition, the question is whether a publication on Thailandblog will be of much use. After all, almost all campaigns have a local character and the readership of Thailandblog is so large in Thailand, Belgium and the Netherlands and sometimes far beyond that it cannot be expected that there will be many interested parties per campaign. We therefore advise organizers to approach sponsors and generous donors in their own environment, their own circle of friends and their own network.

Finally, it should be said that all actions are welcomed by Thailandblog, but it should not be forgotten that there are also many people who do not participate in the actions, but in their own way directly provide assistance to needy citizens and families in their living environment.

The editorial staff of Thailandblog counts on your understanding of the point of view and hopes that many more people will participate in alleviating the dire need of many people in this beautiful country.