‘Must Survive’ volunteer group aims to be a one-stop support service during the pandemic - Thai PBS World Tonight [25th May 2021]

“Tong Rod – Up for Thai,” or “Must Survive – Up for Thai” is a volunteer group that began with the idea of becoming a one-stop charity and information source, before people turn to the government hotlines. They also help provide freshly cooked meals for people in need during this time of hardship.

The co-founder of the group, Mom Rajawongse Chalermchatri Yukol, said that the center, run by the group, provides basic information, because the government hotlines should be reserved for infected people who really need access to ambulances. He added that this service will also help reduce the number of calls the call centre medics have to answer, when the number of medics available is limited.

The group has created communication channels on various social media, whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Line chat, to be their tools to offer advice about how to deal with the pandemic and to connect them with other charitable groups and donors.

Though this charity work needs manpower, the group does not just let anyone walk-in and participate. There is a process which everyone must go through first.