The ongoing spread of Covid-19 has brought to light the many groups of people who are struggling during these trying times and may need a little help. However, there may be a few other groups that perhaps may get overlooked. Here are three of them that you can help with.
Don't let the tourist boats sink
The United Nations Development Programme Thailand (UNDP) recently launched a crowdfunding campaign in collaboration with Krungthai Care and Raks Thai Foundation to provide support for families of tourist boat operators. The "Koh Tao Better Together" will help boat operators, local fishermen and those who worked in tourism whose income has been severely slashed by Covid-19 by employing them to collect garbage washed ashore on the island's beach. It aims to provide a monthly income of B3,000 to each of participating families for three months.
A worthy cause in my opinion since you help out Mother Nature and 197 local families in one go. Visit krungthai.com/link/kohtao for a QR code to donate.
Buy directly from local fisherfolk
The Thai Sea Watch Association recently launched a campaign to encourage the public to support independent and local fishermen, who practise environmentally sound and sustainable approaches to their fishing. Their income has been affected by the new wave of Covid-19 due to lower demand from fish markets and the public's concern over the safety of seafood consumption since the outbreak in Samut Sakhon. Order from the participating groups of fisherfolk in Bangkok, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Satun so long as you don't plan to make sashimi or sushi. You'll get a 10% discount and B100 discount on delivery costs. Visit fb.com/thaiseawatch, but the info is in Thai.
Donate for their livesssss! (in RuPaul's voice)
The Stranger Bar in Silom 4 is no stranger when it comes to the local drag scene. For more than nine years, this bar has been serving drinks and lewks to entertain locals and tourists from different parts of the world. Many of today's Thai drag stars have performed here and it is owned by M Stranger Fox (Chakgai Jermkwan), a drag artist who competed in the second season of Drag Race Thailand. No doubt those who work in the nightlife industry have been hit hard by Miss Rona and drag artists are no exception. The owner implores fans of drag for donation to keep its doors open and, in exchange for every US$30 donated or higher, you'll receive drink vouchers of the same value that can be used with no expiry dates. Save your queens at bit.ly/39ixIMb.