Pattaya food.

[dave5739]

First time visotor, first time poster, first time in social media actually.

I saw this news story on pattayanews.com about the squid sidecar vendors that killed his entire family and himself because he didnt know how to suppirt his family (i wont get more explicit but horrible story if you look it up), and it makes me wonder, how can we, as expats, justify our lives of luxury in an environment where this happens. I am considering starting a no questions asked food bank in pattaya similar to what we see in western countries. Do yall think this is feasible and would most expats contribute? I know there is ngos for food but they seem to be pretty limited in availability and considerations for ALL dont seem to be in place (including overstays or undocumentated). Can't we try to save lives with very little effort?

[Bullfrog]

The problem with your very good idea is that there is such a diverse group of people in Pattaya both Locals and Expats.

For example during Covid there were many groups of people that set up food stations to feed the local community that had no income. These were made up of volunteers from holiday makers, expats living here, business owners and bar managers.

These can be split into two groups.

1. Free of Charge volunteers. These were the large majority that gave their time and money without expecting anything in return.

2. Chargeable volunteers. This was a small minority that expected to be paid for helping out. In some cases just "organizing" the line. 

You will be overwhelmed with good hearted people willing to donate food but this will be undermined by the small percentage that will see it as an opportunity to siphon off proceeds.

Up to you.

 

Edited November 18, 2025 by Bullfrog

[Bruce Mangosteen]

18 hours ago, dave5739 said:

...how can we, as expats, justify our lives of luxury in an environment where this happens.

It happens everywhere for reasons we can't control.  Whatever you may have, and whatever you may have achieved, was probably not taken away from someone else.  You worked for it and earned it fairly, so it needs no other justification.

If you were some sort of thief or conman, the foregoing does not apply to you.  

18 hours ago, dave5739 said:

I am considering starting a no questions asked food bank in pattaya similar to what we see in western countries. Do yall think this is feasible and would most expats contribute?

There are already established, bona fide charities in Thailand.  Giving to those will avoid any problems you may have with the authorities, e.g. working without a permit, and will ensure that the aid goes to people who really need it vs. scammers and low lifes, both farang and Thai.  Also, giving things like foodstuffs and clothes avoids people skimming or misdirecting money.

I have given to the Father Ray Foundation several times.  In each case, a Thai person organized it and did the purchasing based on donations they collected, usually to make merit on a birthday.  They are very grateful for any and all gifts, and it is very gratifying to spend time with the children you have helped.

https://www.fr-ray.org/pattaya-redemptorist-school-for-the-blind-under-the-royal-patronage-of-her-royal-highness-prince-chakri-sirindhorn/

So, consider arranging a gift, possibly with the help of a Thai person you trust.  Contact the charity or organization, and ask what specific sorts of donations they're looking for (e.g. school supplies, warm clothes for children because of the coming cold season).  Then, you could work your contacts to solicit donations.  Again, my advice would be to stay away from monetary donations, and only accept food, clothing, electronics (e.g. tablets), and other tangible goods.

Good luck.

[sailingbill]

Dave admirable , help is always needed so do what you can. I think best to steer the help to FR. Rays, haven’t heard a disparaging thing in the 20 years I ve been here. Bruce has good council here.  Back when FLB was rocking guys would kick in a few thousand, then hire a Baht bus , the flb girls would put on their panties and head over to Big C since the girls knew what was needed.  I give to specific people, a guy in Bkk who lost his legs in Laos as a boy from the shit my country left behind .  An old lady on Soi 4 selling fruit, I always take care of her and in turn during strawberry season there’s always a box under the cart for me.   
But son , if I can say that I don’t need to justify or apologize for my comfortable living here. I did it over many years.  If you do develop a food bank you can count me in as a regular contributor. But be mindful of your Visa.  When I first moved here I had skills much needed, but with my O-A visa even volunteer work would be a violation .

[Bruce Mangosteen]

1 hour ago, sailingbill said:

When I first moved here I had skills much needed, but with my O-A visa even volunteer work would be a violation .

Yep.  I remember people getting hassled for visa violations while doing volunteer relief work after the tsunami!  They don't futz around there concerning work permits.

[matt h]

On 11/21/2025 at 12:28 PM, Bruce Mangosteen said:

Yep.  I remember people getting hassled for visa violations while doing volunteer relief work after the tsunami!  They don't futz around there concerning work permits.

they dont,stiplars for paperwork and fees.