Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from Thailand.
Days of relentless rains in the beginning of November hit Thailand’s southernmost provinces of Songkhla, Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala. Nearly 125,000 people were affected, including at least 15 who lost their lives, and 1,700 families who were forced from their homes by flash flooding.

On November 9, conveying her troubled heart and prayers, Supreme Master Ching Hai donated US$10,000 to help the most desperate and neglected. This amount could purchase US$55,000 in urgent items if obtained in the United States, based on the cost of living in Thailand.

On November 14, our Association members from Bangkok went to Narathiwat province, covering their travel expenses with US$300 of their own funds. Upon hearing of Master’s pledge, Narathiwat’s Governor Thanon Wetchakornkanon expressed his deep appreciation and even sent local military and police personnel to escort
and assist the relief team.

Our Association members first went to two districts where they handed out rice, noodles and SOS flyers to 600 families. They then visited four villages in Sukhirin district, delivering aid to 600 families there, followed by travel to Pattani province to distribute relief packages to 365 families in two villages.

Mr. Udom Kaeothong, Officer of Sukhirin District, Narathiwat Province, Thailand (M): We have many flood victims. The Association has come here today to help the people generously. We are so glad. Our people of Sucirin live faraway at the southern-most border of the country and there is no other place beyond ours, but you still come here to visit us.

We must thank Master Ching Hai for the rice and various dried foods and also for the encouragement from the team. I thank you very much.

Victim (M): Thank you Master for the distribution in the area today. Thank you.

VOICE: Our appreciation, Narathiwat Governor Wetchakornkanon and all personnel for your thoughtful assistance. We are also grateful for Supreme Master Ching Hai’s loving care extended to the vulnerable, and for our Association relief team’s sincere efforts. Wishing the Thai people a smooth recovery to their productive daily lives, and that such dangerous weather situations are alleviated through our more diligent stewardship of the Earth.