Pattaya –
Pattaya City has continued to sponsor and participate in food giveaways to hundreds of needy people at the Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya during the Covid -19 crisis this week.
Due to Covid-19 related restrictions, thousands of businesses are forced to close currently in Pattaya and Chonburi, including the cities lifeblood tourism, hospitality, and entertainment industry. Unfortunately, cases continue to rise overall and there is no sign of loosening restrictions or easing closure orders anytime soon. On top of this, according to many people who have been laid off or lost their jobs, there has been little to no financial aid from the central government.
Major Jeerawat Sukhontasap, the head of Pattaya City Law Enforcement, told The Pattaya News, “This area at the Bali Hai Pier was previously used for people to do activities like skateboarding and before that tourism arrivals. However, during Covid-19, this area has not been used due to Covid -19 measurements and we have shut down sports-related activities and skateboarding due to concern about the spread of the virus. ”
“The Pattaya City Mayor Sonthaya Khunplume sees this place is suitable for food giveaways to the needy. We previously used the beach, however, the beach has been closed in Chonburi as well due to Covid-19 measures and concern of gatherings in those areas.” Major Jeerawat added.
“Law Enforcement officers are assisting with all giveaways at the area to make sure there is social distancing at 8:00 A.M., midday and 5:00 P.M. A variety of local and national groups, as well as individuals, have participated and helped donate to those in need, many who previously worked in the tourism and hospitality industry in Pattaya but tragically have lost their jobs and income due to restrictions implemented due to Covid-19.” Major Jeerawat continued.
“This is the third week in a row for food giveaways here. Anyone who wants to do food giveaways and charity donations must contact Pattaya City Hall first for permission by calling 1337, or going to the Banglamung Municipality office and filling out the proper forms for permission.” Major Jeerawat added.
Many needy people in line at a recent giveaway told The Pattaya News they used to have jobs and incomes before the Covid -19 crisis, with most stating they worked in the hotel, restaurant, or entertainment industry that previously employed tens of thousands in Pattaya. Once Covid-19 related restrictions either shut these businesses entirely or caused no new customers to arrive, they were laid off and lost their jobs. Now, they don’t have enough money to pay for their expenses so they have to get free food, with some stating the only meal they ate each day were from charity events due to being completely broke. They also need necessary items such as soap, toothpaste, or dried food. Many also stated they were homeless as unfortunately their landlords had thrown them out and there were no jobs available in Pattaya and Chonburi due to strict Covid-19 restrictions that have closed down many sectors of business.
Most interviewed stated that while they understood Covid-19 was serious, they also stated that feeding themselves and taking care of their family took priority and they felt that the measures and restrictions were too strict, taking away livelihoods from tens of thousands of people who were already poor in Chonburi.
Meanwhile, in Soi Seeda, Central Pattaya, a group calling themselves “The Kind-hearted Group” gave away 200 sets of food for the third week as well.
Mrs. Rattanaphorn Chuachuchart and Mrs. Napasorn Poonpermwiriyakit told The Pattaya News, “We want to be part of the community and want to help people during this crisis. Many people in our group have donated money to help the needy. Even if it is not many sets of food that we can give, but we are continuing to do so and want to make a difference, even if it is small.”
Pattaya remains a maximum control zone, which sees heavy restrictions and closure mandates, with no end in sight as cases continue to climb and limited vaccines have been allocated to the area.
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