Sole searching: Locals sprint to grab second-hand shoes left in park
Thousands of second-hand running shoes were left in a public park, leading locals to flock and collect them eagerly. This surprising occurrence took place at the Thung Nong Naman public park in Ban Huakhu, Muang Phia subdistrict, Kut Chap district, Udon Thani province.
The event was initially shared by a Facebook user, Charoon Boonjuang, who posted images of the shoes piled high, encouraging those in need of footwear to come and take their pick. The post humorously suggested that the original owner had grown tired of them. By approximately 8am yesterday, December 19, numerous locals had already gathered at the park, keen to seize the opportunity to acquire free footwear.
By 10.50am on the same day, reporters visiting the park observed an enthusiastic crowd of locals picking through the discarded trainers. The atmosphere was lively, with people of all ages selecting shoes with smiles on their faces.
Many residents carried their chosen pairs home in fertiliser sacks while others made multiple trips on motorbikes and motorcycles with sidecars to transport their finds. The sight was akin to a bustling second-hand shoe market, much to the delight of the community.
Local officials, including members of the Kut Chap Subdistrict Municipality and community leaders, were on hand to ensure the event remained orderly. Their presence helped manage the distribution, allowing residents to select shoes for themselves and their families, just in time for the new year festivities. Once the residents were satisfied, the remaining damaged and unmatched shoes were to be collected by the municipality for disposal.
Sawanee, a resident, shared her excitement upon hearing about the shoe pile from the Facebook post. She quickly arrived on her motorbike, fertiliser sack in hand, to claim some of the second-hand trainers. Despite arriving later than some, she managed to collect a variety of pairs, though many of the more stylish options had already been taken. She expressed her gratitude to the vendors who had left the shoes, noting that it was a welcome gift for the new year, especially as she had not owned trainers for several years.
“I will be wearing these shoes and sharing them with my family. It feels like a new year’s gift. I hope the vendors will notify the community in advance if they plan to do this again next year so that everyone can prepare.”
Preecha Thongjun from the Public Health Department of the Kut Chap Municipality explained that according to local accounts, a merchant had arrived in the morning with a six-wheel truck. It was loaded with large bags of second-hand trainers, estimated to number between 10,000 and 20,000 pairs. These shoes, of various brands, were believed to be unsold stock from the recently concluded Thung Si Muang annual fair, which ended on December 12.
“Next time, it would be great if they could inform us beforehand so we can prepare a designated area and inform the villagers. It’s a positive thing for the community to receive free trainers. Today looked like a bustling market.”
Preecha reported the event to the chief of the Kut Chap Municipality, who encouraged the residents to take as many shoes as they wanted until only the broken and unmatched ones were left. The municipality would then arrange for their disposal. Gratitude was expressed towards the shoe vendors for bringing such joy to the people of Kut Chap, as many left with several sacks of shoes.
“Thanks to the vendors, the residents of Kut Chap have something to smile about today, with branded trainers to wear.”
This unexpected gift of footwear has brought cheer to the community, providing a practical and festive surprise just in time for the new year celebrations, reported Sanook.
