US GOVT donates 5 million USD in COVID-19 assistance to Thailand

On 8/13/2021 at 9:23 AM, grain said:

Reminds me many years ago down South the local expat community did some fund raising for the local orphanage. They presented quite a large sum of money to the director. Photos were taken and the story appeared in the local rag. Then a few months later we found out they had bought a new fridge & microwave & furniture for the staff lunch room, and there were other new bit and pieces around the place, but nothing had actually gone to the orphans. After that incident the word spread around in the future do not donate cash to these organizations, give food, clothing, toys and such things that will go to the kids.

Never give cash to charities in Thailand. You can't even trust the Police here (Tsunami relief funds anyone?)

If you want to donate, ask what material things they need and use the raised cash funds to buy those things.

That way there is at least some level of traceability where the funds went.

The main charity I support in Pattaya is happy to accept donations of rice, other food and necessities which they themselves distribute to the needy, with proof of distribution available if concerned.