Pa Laong, Famous Used Shoe Vendor, Fights On: Heavy Rains Devastate Rocket Festival Sales, Turns Crisis into 'Free Hat Collection' Drive
Legendary used shoe vendor Pa Laong turned devastating Rocket Festival losses into a community triumph by offering free shoes with voluntary donations to cover her fuel costs home to Ang Thong Province.
Pa Laong, a celebrated used shoe vendor who refuses to give up, has turned a devastating setback into an outpouring of community support after torrential rains destroyed her sales during the Rocket Festival in Kalasin Province. With all her capital tied up in inventory and travel costs, and no money for fuel or truck rental to return her unsold stock to Ang Thong Province, she relocated her operation and attempted to sell from a new spot. When sales stalled despite her efforts, Pa Laong made an unconventional decision on May 23, 2025: she would give away three pairs of free shoes to anyone who needed them, asking only for donations according to each person's means to cover her fuel and transport costs home.
Pa Laong is no stranger to hardship—she previously made national headlines after thieves completely cleaned out her used shoe shop in Udon Thani Province, yet she persevered and continued her honest livelihood. This time, her compassionate pivot transformed a crisis into a heartwarming community moment. On the morning she implemented her free distribution plan, locals from Khao Wong District and surrounding areas descended on her shop in continuous waves, not just to collect free shoes but to donate generously. The scene overflowed with warmth as residents contributed what they could, with many donating above the standard price, offering words of encouragement, and embodying the spirit of mutual support. The initiative revealed the best of community spirit—people giving freely to help Pa Laong return home with dignity.
