Master’s Aid Reaches Thai Victims Affected by Extreme Weather

On November 6, 2009, three days of heavy rain resulted in severe flooding in Thailand’s southern border provinces of Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani. Due to the high water levels, crops, bridges and houses were destroyed, leaving many homeless and villagers using rowboats for transportation. Hearing news of the disaster, Supreme Master Ching Hai requested our local Association members to deliver relief supplies to the victims. The governor of Narathiwat Province was so appreciative of Master’s aid that he sent security units to guard the relief team, who arrived on November 14, then traveled to Weang and Kholo Districts to distribute rice, noodles, instant foods, SOS flyers and sample booklets. They next went to the Sukhirin District and helped villagers in Karantan, Nomklao, Namsai, Paingam and Pattani.

On December 15, a large portion of Thailand’s northeastern Kalasin Province was declared a disaster area due to unusually cold weather. At least five people lost their lives and over 300,000 residents lacked sufficiently warm clothing. The Thai Meteorology Department issued warnings that temperatures could drop even lower and local agencies hastened to send aid.

Conveying Master’s sorrow, prayers and financial assistance, our Association members from Bangkok quickly formed a team and traveled to Kalasin on December 27 to begin the relief work. After that, they went to the most severely affected districts of Somdet, Naku and Kuchinari to hand out blankets to 800 families. The team also provided soy milk for the children plus SOS flyers and sample booklets to inform the people of how they could help alleviate such extreme weather conditions by adopting a vegan diet. The recipients were delighted and touched by Master’s love and compassion for humankind.

We thank God for the unconditional love that sees all nationalities and religions as one and is always ready to help fellow beings in need, both animal and human alike.

Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai for Flood and
Cold Weather Relief Work in Thailand

Description	Amount ( THB)	Receipt
Food (soy milk, rice, noodles, etc.) and blankets	301,885	A
Miscellaneous expenses (fuel, car rental, etc.)	27,900	B
Total	THB329,785 (US$9,994)

*Throughout the relief operation, the team members paid for their own transportation, accommodation and food.