Flood aid dispute in Nan province over meal box distribution

Drama unfolded over the distribution of donated meal boxes to flood victims in Nan province yesterday. A heated debate arose after a member of the Facebook group, Original Nan Community Market posted about their frustrating experience trying to obtain food aid.

“I braved the floodwaters to request two meal boxes from the Suan Tan Temple foundation. The response I got was, ‘No, you must register first. This village has already received aid.’ So, no meal boxes for us. It’s like asking for a fortune, not just two boxes of rice.

“I then went to Suan Hom Temple, where they quickly provided the meal boxes without asking any questions. Big thanks to Suan Hom Temple’s kitchen for helping those in need. If you’re just trying to put on a show, remember these people are genuinely suffering. If they weren’t hungry, they wouldn’t brave the floods to seek help.”

The post quickly gained traction, with over 3,000 likes and numerous comments, as well as shares spreading the message further. Comments varied from support to confusion about the need for registration.

“Why do they need to register? This is strange. How are they helping exactly?”

“At Suan Tan Temple Foundation, do they really require registration? Please explain.”

“If people in Nan weren’t in dire straits, they wouldn’t go seeking help. No one does this for fun or gain.”

Following the uproar, the group admin clarified the situation.

“Let me explain. It might have been a misunderstanding due to poor communication. I’m from Nan and was present during the incident. The elderly lady came to request food, but the rice wasn’t cooked yet, so we asked her to wait. A volunteer asked if she had registered or if a village leader had received aid on her behalf. The volunteer then went to fetch two meal boxes, but the lady was gone upon their return.”

The admin added that the kitchen can cook approximately 500 to 700 meal boxes per batch, and it operates in cycles to meet the demand. Volunteers hardly get any rest and often skip meals themselves to prioritise flood victims, reported KhaoSod.

“Everyone here is genuinely helping out of goodwill. We aren’t taking sides but want both perspectives to be heard.”