Hat yai: James Ruangsak and Teacher Koi are deeply moved by the loss of lives caused by the flooding in the South. They believe volunteers are working with all their hearts and hope all parties will join hands to overcome the crisis together.
According to Thai News Agency, the southern family of James Ruangsak, along with his wife, Kru Koi Natcha, and their daughters, Nong Metta and Nong Meda, brought donations to flood victims in the South. They delivered their aid at the donation point for the Jenny Sai Mai 73 festival of southern country singer Jenny Ratchanok. James revealed that his family donated rice and ready-to-eat food, noting that while the situation has improved in some areas, food remains a critical need. Kitchens in affected areas require rice to prepare meals for those displaced by the flooding. James shared his heartbreak upon witnessing the community's unity and recalled his own past experiences with floods, though he acknowledged that the current devastation is far greater.
Teacher Koi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute, despite the small scale of their donation. She described the situation as devastating and recounted her emotional response to seeing news images of babies and other victims in dire conditions. Teacher Koi emphasized the urgent need for drinking water, food, and rice. Her brother, a professor at Prince of Songkla University, resides in a high-altitude area that has become an evacuation point, which highlights the varying impacts across the region. She noted the challenges of recovery, both in terms of physical property and emotional healing, and commented on the tensions arising in areas like Hat Yai, where residents have reportedly threatened volunteers out of frustration.
James added understanding for the victims' stress, acknowledging that it might lead to unusual behavior, including the reported threats. He encouraged cooperation and emphasized the importance of empathy between rescue workers and victims. Despite the challenges, he offered encouragement to the victims and expressed his belief in the support from across Thailand. He urged those who cannot physically assist to consider donating, as the affected areas remain in need of substantial help.