Shinawatras open kitchens to feed flood victims in Chiang Mai

The Shinawatras are back in action, and this time it’s all about giving back. Former Thai premiers Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra have stepped up in a big way, sponsoring two relief kitchens in their hometown of Chiang Mai, ensuring flood victims don’t go hungry.

Thaksin, who recently returned to Thailand after years in exile, has funded a kitchen at Paed Kao Plaza in Nong Hoi subdistrict. This hub of activity is whipping up lunch boxes for those stranded by the devastating floods. With many residents unable to venture out for food, Thaksin’s initiative aims to provide essential relief.

Not to be outdone, Yingluck—still in self-exile—has set up her kitchen at Ton Phayom Market, located behind Chiang Mai University. In addition to hot meals, she’s also providing victims with bags filled with necessities.

A sign outside her kitchen reads, “I hope this ordeal ends soon and that everyone can return to normalcy.”

But that’s not all, the Shinawatra family has gone the extra mile, deploying staff to distribute drinking water, dry food, and other essential items to those hit hardest, especially in the outskirts of the province, reported The Nation.

In related news, a determined food delivery rider braved floodwaters nearly 1 metre deep in central Chiang Mai to deliver an order, sparking widespread discussion on social media about the worth of his efforts compared to potential repair costs for his motorcycle.

A video widely shared online captures the moment a food delivery rider navigated through floodwaters almost 1 metre deep to deliver food to a customer.

In other news, dramatic footage from the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai shows the heartwarming moment when four elephants waded through rising floodwaters, escaping a sanctuary inundated by severe flooding. The park’s staff scrambled to lead the animals to safety as relentless downpours from Typhoon Yagi, Asia’s most powerful storm this year, battered the region.