During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, taxi drivers in Thailand faced significant hardship as reduced public movement led to a drastic drop in their income. Recognizing their plight, Tzu Chi volunteers extended a helping hand, organizing relief distributions to support them through these difficult moments. This initial outreach sparked a lasting connection, inspiring many drivers to not only receive aid but also to become active participants in spreading kindness and compassion within their communities.
From Crisis to Community Service
For years, Bangkok's taxi drivers navigated the city's bustling streets, transporting countless passengers daily. The pandemic, however, brought their livelihoods to a standstill. It was during this period of uncertainty that they encountered Tzu Chi volunteers, whose warm and selfless care deeply moved them. This experience ignited a desire among many drivers to give back to society.
They chose to dedicate some of their valuable time, usually spent earning a living, to become "field of blessings" volunteers who help to clean and maintain the Bangkok Jing Si Hall. For them, inner fulfillment became as precious as financial gain. Yongyot, a taxi driver, exemplifies this spirit. He regularly volunteers at the Jing Si Hall, assisting with various tasks.
The Jing Si Hall is like another home to us. If help is needed here, I will certainly not hesitate!— Yongyot, taxi driver turned volunteer.
Within the tranquil grounds of the Jing Si Hall, the drivers diligently clean windows and meticulously water the plants and trees, nurturing the vibrant greenery. Their faces beam with satisfaction as they watch the garden flourish under the sun. Ittipong, another driver, expressed his feelings: "Every time I participate in Tzu Chi activities, I feel a great sense of warmth. The volunteers' work is very meaningful, so I also want to contribute." Uthis added that knowing volunteers are busy caring for vulnerable people outside, he wanted to do his part to keep their "home" tidy, allowing them to serve society with peace of mind. "We contribute from the bottom of our hearts, supporting Tzu Chi together so that volunteers can care for more people in society," Uthis gratefully stated. Their hands, accustomed to the steering wheel, now skillfully wield cloths and watering hoses, finding joy in simple acts of service that maintain this welcoming space.
Nourishing Bodies and Minds
To promote vegetarianism and offer healthy, delicious plant-based meals, Tzu Chi volunteers in Thailand thoughtfully prepared vegetarian lunchboxes for the taxi drivers. This initiative garnered enthusiastic participation, with many drivers volunteering to act as "bridges of goodness," delivering the meals to their colleagues waiting for passengers across the city.
LEFT: The vegetarian lunchboxes are appealing in color, aroma, and taste. | Photo: Pin-Ti Su. RIGHT: Taxi driver Boonsueb helps distribute vegetarian lunchboxes, becoming a bridge of goodness. | Photo: Pinticha Jansuksri
Since March 17, representatives of the taxi drivers have collected eighty vegetarian lunchboxes from the Bangkok Jing Si Hall every weekday. They then distribute these meals to various gathering points for drivers throughout Bangkok, ensuring that those in need receive nutritious food. Boonsueb is one such driver who almost daily dedicates his personal time to this distribution task. "I deliver the lunchboxes to other drivers," he said. "I am very happy to be a bridge of goodness and utilize my volunteer abilities!"
LEFT: Taxi driver Uthis happily joins the effort to weed and water the Bangkok Jing Si Hall garden. RIGHT: Taxi driver Wutthichai waters plants in the garden, beautifying the environment and exercising his body and mind through service. | Photos: Budsara Sombut
Upon receiving a vegetarian lunchbox, Chatchamon praised the initiative: "I feel the volunteers are very dedicated and do everything from the heart. Moreover, these lunchboxes have no meat, which is good for our health."
Spreading Kindness on the Road
The drivers' generosity extended further as they invited volunteers to distribute vegetarian meal boxes at popular taxi waiting areas near department stores. During these interactions, volunteers shared principles of environmental protection and charity, deeply moving the drivers. They not only pledged to support vegetarianism but also offered space within their taxis to display bamboo coin banks and QR codes for donations. This encourages passengers to join in acts of goodness, injecting more love and warmth into society.
LEFT: Taxi driver Yongyot happily volunteers, maintaining the cleanliness of the Jing Si Hall grounds. | Photo: Budsara Sombut. RIGHT: Culinary volunteers prepare vegetarian lunchboxes early in the morning, joyfully connecting with taxi drivers through their efforts. | Photo: Pinticha Jansuksri
Wutthichai affirmed this collective spirit, stating, "I believe we should unite like this so we can help each other, because there are many people in society who suffer more than us."
Increasing natural disasters and environmental challenges due to climate change has led many to realize life's impermanence. Consequently, more individuals are seizing the present moment to contribute love and give back to society. Their active support for vegetarianism, in particular, demonstrates a tangible commitment to reducing the burden on Mother Earth, cherishing food, and promoting environmental protection and ecological balance. This collective effort not only nurtures personal well-being but also contributes to a healthier future for the planet.
Written by Budsara Sombut, Pinticha Jansuksri
Translated by Mindy Chen (陳敏理)
Source: 計程車司機奉獻愛心 響應蔬食護大地
