News and happenings that took place in the Thai-Indian community this week.
The Press Information Bureau of the Government of India reported that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not associated the term ‘Indian Variant’ with the new B.1.617 strain in contrary to what is being reported by international media. It will now be classified as the ‘Variant of Concern.’ Read more here.
The Royal Thai Embassy in Delhi, India has announced that two repatriation flights will be arranged to bring Thai nationals home from India. One is planned for Saturday, while the other is scheduled for May 22nd. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Thailand has continued with their efforts to organise repatriation flights for Indian nationals in Thailand under the ‘Vande Bharat Mission.’ Read more here.
Today, the Directors of the Indian Association of Thailand (IAT), Shanti Bhumi Foundation, and Harnam Singh Harbans Kaur Foundation, jointly executed the delivery of 410 oxygen cylinders and equipment aboard two Indian Air Force transport planes at the Royal Thai Airforce (RTAF) base for COVID-19 relief support in India.
H.E Suchitra Durai, Ambassador of India to Thailand, alongside office bearers from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) led by Susheel Saraff, were pictured above making donations for COVID-19 relief. Till this date, VHP Thailand members have donated more than 50 oxygen concentrators to India. For more information, visit this page.
The Ministry of External Affairs, India reported that global support continues in the fight against COVID-19. Just this week, they welcomed 1,200 oxygen cylinders from the UK; oxygen concentrators from Russia that were used at Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi; ventilators from Germany at Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi; oxygen cylinders from the US at Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi; BiPAP machines from UAE at Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi. Moreover, 1,900 oxygen cannulas and 396 oxygen cylinders were delivered from Austria and 500 more arrived from the Czech Republic. Canada also shipped 50 ventilators and 25,000 vials of Remdesvir. For more information, visit this page.
Earlier this week, the IAT also generously donated 100 oxygen cylinders that were delivered by the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) to Delhi. Furthermore, the IIT-Alumni Association of Bangkok and the India-Thai Chamber of Commerce donated 60 oxygen concentrators that were also sent to Delhi by the RTAF. Read more here.
A viral article chronicling one Thai woman’s experience fighting COVID-19 has gone viral via LINE. It details what medical resources she used, medicines she took, equipment she purchased, and daily routines she kept up with to overcome the virus. In sharing she hopes the article can provide useful information for those who have to battle the illness at home. Read the article here.
The Thum Dee Dai Dee initiative continues with supports of organisations like the Indian Women’s Club, and their partners, Sunrise Tacos, Dinner from the Sky, and Bangkok Community Help. The initiative is delivering non-perishable food, medicines and vitamin supplements to those in the Khong Toey area. They are also currently averaging 1,400 hot meals per day. Read more here.
His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Her Majesty Queen Suthida of Thailand kindly donated 200 oxygen cylinders and 10 concentrators to be used in India in the fight against COVID-19. The delivery was made by a specially-arranged Royal Thai Air Force flight. The gesture reiterated the strong bond between the Kingdom and India. For more information, visit this page.
The ITCC is continuing in its efforts to acquire oxygen for India. On the 13th of May, the chamber sent 62 units of oxygen concentrators to the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII). Of this 62, 11 sets were donated by the Dev Mandir, Hindu Samaj. Read more here.
The finalists of the Thai-Indian Superstar Series have been revealed. Hosted by the Thai-Indian Theatre Club, check out the full list of the 15 contenders here.
The Thai-Indian Yoga Association and the Community Yoga Leadership Program (CYLP) by the Gandhi Institute Rangsit University (RSU) Thailand are hosting the 26th session of the Bangkok Yoga Meet. This time it will take place online on Saturday, 15th May 2021 from 7.30am onwards. The meet will be led by Shika Agarwal, a certified yoga instructor who will be broadcasting out of India on the Thai-Indian Community page.
Over the course of the week, Vikram Arunagiri, his team at Gulp BKK, with the support of SIRI House, Luka, Red Catering, Panthera Group, and other members of the Indian and local communities, have distributed hundreds of meals daily to those who have been struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bollywood Dance Studio by Shreya announced that they will be dancing to raise funds for the Hindu Samaj Thailand COVID Relief Fund. Classes will be conducted over Zoom and are priced at THB 200 per person, but higher donations are welcome. Click on this link here to check the schedule.
Amarjit Kaur Doowa and her sponsors have continued with their sewas for COVID-19 relief. In May, they bought groceries to feed another 195 families living in Bangkok’s slums. People from the community also donated rice, oil, milk, and other food items. The team are feeding an average of 500 families daily. Visit her page for more information.
Have you done something newsworthy? Email ashima@masalathai.com with brief information about what you’ve accomplished this week (May 8th to 14th) to be considered for our online round up.
