More people are buying meal vouchers which can be given to and redeemed by others, as an increasing number of people are feeling the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, a seminar was told yesterday.
The seminar, jointly held by the Buddhika Network Foundation and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), was aimed at teaching people about the importance of giving and helping out.
Phra Paisal Visalo, the abbot of Wat Pasukato in Chaiyaphum, who initiated the meal voucher campaign, said the campaign is based on the idea that everyone can help others without causing trouble for themselves.
The abbot said many restaurants have joined the campaign, effectively turning their businesses into soup kitchens.
Somsak Chiaocharn, a fried pork shop owner, said he joined the campaign because giving makes him happy.
"One day, a garbage picker who relied on the coupons to survive came into our kitchen and said he wanted to give back because he made some extra money that day," he said.
Supreeda Adulyanon, manager of ThaiHealth, said Thailand's success can also be attributed to Buddhist merit-making traditions which encourages charitable activities.
Chettha Mankong, director of Foundation for Child Development, said the campaign is really helpful to those who have lost their jobs because of the pandemic, but many of them need more than food.
"Some families need nappies," he said.