This week, Bangkok shliach Rabbi Nechemia Wilhelm was invited to the Thai Army headquarters for a ceremony with senior military officials, including the Thai Chief of Staff. This followed Chabad of Thailand’s mobilization to help flood victims in the south, raising funds together with dozens of Israeli travelers who participated in the efforts.

Southern Thailand has been dealing in recent months with the results of a devastating flood crisis, with Songkhla province at the center of the disaster. Thai authorities issued evacuation orders for all residents of the province after relentless monsoon rains flooded homes, agricultural areas, and major urban centers.

The floods affected more than 600,000 residents. The city of Hat Yai, an important economic center in Songkhla province, was severely impacted; about a quarter-million of its residents were affected by the damage, with water levels reaching critical heights.

“We saw the heavy damage and the people who were hurt as a result of the stormy weather; many people lost everything they had in their lives,” Rabbi Nechemia told Mako.

“Here at Chabad, we decided to mobilize and help as much as we can. We collected donations from many good Israelis, we purchased a large quantity of rice, we bought medicines and many other essential items that will enable, even if just a little, the poor residents during this difficult period.”

After making contact with authorities to transfer the aid to those in need, Chabad was offered the option to coordinate the entire process through local military forces, with soldiers responsible for handling and transferring the food and medicines. Following this coordination, the Thai army invited Chabad representatives to an official ceremony titled “Chabad House, the Home of Israelis, Helps Thai Residents in Time of Need.”

During the event, which was covered by local media and broadcast on television, Rabbi Wilhelm met with the Thai Chief of Staff. He thanked Chabad on behalf of the army and Thai authorities for the aid, and shared how much he appreciates the Jewish community’s contribution to the people.

“This is not the first time we’ve helped locals,” the shliach shared. “We had very extensive activity, for example, during the tsunami when we helped rebuild many villages, we helped the disaster orphans, and we helped in other events in Bangkok and throughout Thailand. Then, as well, we had full cooperation with the Thai army and government.”