Foundation Distributes Relief Packages to 9,000 Needy Families
The Po Tek Tung Foundation distributed 9,000 relief packages containing rice, canned goods, and clothing to low-income families across Bangkok and provincial areas on September 9, adapting its century-old merit-making tradition to serve mor
On September 9, 2025, the Po Tek Tung Foundation, led by board members Krobchai Sorsottikul, Sak Korsangrueng, Wichit Chinwongsurkul, and Secretary Sirikul Obhaswongse, along with Dr. Saowanee Tetchapaiboon as honorary volunteer coordinator, held a ceremony distributing 9,000 packages of consumer goods and travel allowances of 200 baht per person to low-income residents from Bangkok and provincial areas. This year, the foundation adjusted its distribution methods to better serve more impoverished families, with packages containing rice, canned fish, instant noodles, fish sauce, cooking oil, snacks, clothing, and foam sandals, all packed in foundation cloth bags. Deputy Bangkok Governor Thanit Tanbualee presided over the ceremony, which featured celebrity volunteers including Hack Chuanchuen, Ton-Chakri, Bee Phetchawisetsiri, Tai-Pichaksna, Grace-Patchsita, May-Athicha, and Khim-Bennyapa assisting in distribution and creating an atmosphere of joy. The Kin Kaad ceremony is an important Buddhist merit-making tradition dating back to the Buddha's time, involving offerings of consumer goods and dry food dedicated to deceased ancestors and orphaned spirits, with distribution to the poor as alms. The Po Tek Tung Foundation has maintained this tradition for over 100 years. For 2025, the foundation adapted the merit-making approach to allow donors tax deductions, minimize contact to prevent viral spread, increase package quantities and items to address rising living costs, and expand distribution across Bangkok and other provinces, with 3,000 packages distributed across six Bangkok districts through specialized mobile units.
