Bangkok’s Unsung Heroes: Monks, Volunteers, and Engineers Battle Covid
Monk Phrompong’s 24‑Hour Mission
Phrompong Kaino, a 33‑year‑old monk, has turned his temple into a frontline hub. For more than a month he’s been forwarding free Covid‑19 swab tests to the city’s most vulnerable neighborhoods, touching the lives of over 2,000 people.
- One in five of the samples came back positive, sending those folks straight to temple care or a hospital bed.
- “The medical teams can’t keep up,” he says. “It doesn’t matter if you’re Buddhist, Christian, or Muslim—humanity’s first law is to get help fast.”
Cremation Crisis in a City on the Verge of a Pandemic
With the death toll snapping near 8,000 this week, Thai temples are now full‑tilt crematoriums. The shortage in vaccine supplies has intensified the situation, and more than 350 people have already been helped by a volunteer foundation’s free burial services.
- Pairuch Sudtoop works the front‑door of grief. “Seeing so many Thai families in pain has…never crossed my radar,” he confesses.
- Despite running his own business and church duties, he refuses to shy away from the emotional toll. “Letting people go into the afterlife is a tough gig—keeping a straight face is a real skill.”
Innovative Volunteer Platform: A High‑Tech Lifeline
Think of it as a Sunday “Missions and Containers” app, but for the frontline:
- Volunteers meet infected folks via a platform that keeps track of location and waiting time.
- 🆗 It also streams updates on community isolation centres and oxygen refill spots.
- Built by a crew of aerospace engineers, it combines the rigor of flight systems with the compassion of community health.
In short, Bangkok’s heart isn’t just in its hospitals—it’s beating in the temples, the volunteer circles, and the tech innovators who keep the city breathing. Even in a crisis that feels like a global emergency, their stories remind us that a little empathy and a lot of hustle can still save the day.
<img alt="" data-caption="In this photo taken on Aug 4, 2021, Mr Phrompong Kaino performs Covid-19 testing in a community near his temple in Bangkok.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”8cb6c1ef-f7c3-40d0-acf4-4e1956c29104″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/yq-phromp-17082021.jpg”/>
Bangkok’s Volunteer Power Surge
Ever seen a city literally light up with dots of hope? Volunteer maverick Wasanchai Vongsantivanich just did that, pointing a laser pointer at a glowing map of Bangkok to point out where folks need a hand.
What the Map’s Really Saying
Sure, the red circles look like a “do not cross” sign at first glance, but they’re actually “we’re here and we’ll help!” in disguise. The screen shows a spread of people stuck in a post‑COVID maze—busy merchants, stray pets, families waiting for clean water—and the bright dots don’t just highlight danger; they highlight a growing chorus of volunteers.
The Numbers Crunch
- 9,000+ volunteers signed up in just the first three weeks.
- Red dots everywhere, almost as many as the people needing assistance.
- The volunteer wave is moving faster than a tuk‑tuk on a rain‑y night.
Why It Counts
“You can see the situation is pretty bad,” Wasanchai says, and with a grin we can almost hear the Thai sarcasm: “If you’re looking for a reason to clutch your head—this is it.” He explains that these volunteers, armed with nothing but smartphones and goodwill, are the real heroes on the ground, bridging the gap from cramped sidewalks to emergency supplies.
Getting Involved – How You Can Help
- Download the app and scan a QR code to sign up. No fancy coder required.
- Share a simple task—deliver water to a local school, escort a senior home‑bound, or just greet a neighbor with a friendly chat.
- Build a community network. Each volunteer spins a new thread in Bangkok’s tapestry of solidarity.
Final note from Wasanchai: “They’re just trying to help people in the community. We’re all in the same boat. And trust me, folks – this volunteering thing is fun, humane, and way cooler than your average Zoom meeting.”
