General Charoenchai Hinthao, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, led a joint relief effort in flood-affected areas of Chiang Rai province. Accompanied by Assistant Professor Dr. Matchima Naradisorn, President of Mae Fah Luang University, and Mr. Jhomkitti Sirikul, Senior Vice President of Sustainability Development, Public Sector and Corporate Relations at Charoen Pokphand Group.
The initiative, part of the 'CP-CPF Food from the Heart, Fighting Floods' project, joined by volunteers from CP Group subsidiaries, including Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL (CP Foods), CP ALL, CP Extra, Makro, Lotus, and Tra Chartr Rice, distributes food and survival kits to affected residents. Army officials coordinated the distribution efforts, ensuring essential supplies reached suffering residents across various areas.
This collaborative approach demonstrates a coordinated response from military, academic, and private sector entities in addressing the immediate needs of flood-affected communities in Chiang Rai.
The Army Commander-in-Chief inspected the readiness of the 3rd Army Area Field Hospital at Somdet Phra Naresuan Maharat Camp near the Mae Sai border checkpoint, which provides medical services to Thai and Myanmar patients. He then attended the cleaning activities and repairs of the flood dam near the 1st Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge and distributed survival kits to the affected people. He also visited the 3rd Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, Mengrai Maharat Camp, affected by flooding. The soldiers and their families received encouragement with survival kits and essential items.
Dr. Matchima Naradisorn, President of Mae Fah Luang University, reported that the institution has been actively coordinating flood relief efforts in the region. The university has served as a central hub for aid distribution, ensuring that affected residents have access to essential supplies.
"We've mobilized our resources to support the community," Dr. Naradisorn stated. "Our campus has become a collection point for donations from students, parents, alumni, staff, and the general public."
The university has repurposed several facilities to meet the immediate needs of flood victims. The campus stadium has been converted into a temporary shelter, while the university's restaurant and canteen have been transformed into emergency kitchens. These facilities are now producing 1,500 ready-to-eat meal boxes daily for distribution to affected areas.
"Recent supply chain disruptions and logistical challenges in flood-affected areas have necessitated a collaborative approach to relief efforts," explained Assistant Professor Dr. Matchima Naradisorn. "We've partnered with the Royal Thai Army, CP Group, and CPF to overcome these obstacles."
Dr. Naradisorn detailed the coordinated response: "Our partners have supplied essential ingredients and fresh food, significantly enhancing our kitchen's production capacity. The Army has been instrumental in distributing prepared meals to areas difficult to access. This distribution effort is further supported by volunteers from CP, CP Foods, and our students."
She emphasized the significance of this partnership: "This initiative exemplifies an effective tri-sector collaboration, uniting military, corporate, and academic resources to deliver aid efficiently to flood victims.
Mr. Jomkitti Sirikul outlined the company's flood response strategy, initiated under the directive of Chairman Suphachai Chearavanont. "We've activated a comprehensive relief plan, leveraging resources across our business units," Sirikul stated.
The group's efforts, spearheaded by CP and CP Foods, have been closely coordinated with the Royal Thai Army and Mae Fah Luang University to provide urgent assistance in Chiang Rai province.
"While floodwaters have receded, our focus has shifted to supporting postflood recovery," Sirikul explained. He highlighted the ongoing partnership with Mae Fah Luang University, where CP Group continues to supply ingredients and raw materials for the university's emergency kitchens.
The crucial role of military personnel in the distribution efforts: "Our collaboration with the Army has been instrumental in reaching isolated communities. Their expertise in navigating challenging terrain ensures our aid reaches those most in need."
CP Group and CP Foods have extended aid to flood victims across six provinces: Chiang Rai, Phayao, Phrae, Nan, Sukhothai, and Nong Khai. The conglomerate has been working in conjunction with relevant agencies and has lent support to the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters in their relief efforts. Company officials have stated that their assistance will continue until the situation stabilizes.