Hua Hin Heroes co-founder Adam Clark, who recently returned from assisting communities in northern Thailand impacted by severe flooding, is organising a second relief trip to Chiang Rai.
On October 9, Adam, along with fellow Hua Hin Heroes co-founder Henrik Fagersson, will lead a team of volunteers to support the ongoing recovery efforts after the worst floods in the region in 80 years.
Adam, who previously volunteered during the Bangkok floods in 2011, spoke to Hua Hin Today about his recent visit to Chiang Rai. “When I saw the extent of the devastation on Thai news, I just felt this urge to help,” he said. “I flew to Chiang Rai with no real plan, but with the support of local communities and donors, we were able to make a difference.”
During his time in Chiang Rai, Adam and local volunteers, many of them young people from a care home run by a local pastor, focused on cleaning homes and providing essential supplies.
Adam said that many people had lost everything and to compound matters further were still without running water and electricity some 18 days after the initial flooding.
“Most of what the flood victims owned was destroyed, and many of them have no insurance. We cleared out entire homes, replacing ruined belongings with mattresses, bedding, and basic necessities like rice cookers and gas hobs,” Adam explained.
The team also worked to provide homes with water and electricity, using funds raised from donors to purchase pumps and other equipment. “With the help of friends, I managed to raise nearly 100,000 baht in just 24 hours, which allowed us to buy the tools we needed to speed up the cleanup efforts,” Adam said.
Despite the devastation, Adam said he was moved by the resilience of the affected communities. He observed that even those who had lost everything, particularly the elderly, continued to support one another. He noted this as a powerful reflection of the strength and solidarity of the Thai people.
The upcoming trip on October 9 will focus on the Mae Sai area, which has been particularly hard hit. So far, Henrik and Adam will be joined by two other volunteers from Hua Hin, but more help is needed. In addition to volunteers, Adam is also seeking donations to provide essential supplies for the flood victims.
“We’re driving up from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport, and then flying to Chiang Rai. From there we’re making a one hour drive from Chiang Rai to Mae Sai. So far there are 4 of us who will be making the trip to Mae Sai,” Adam said.
“We’ve got a registered foundation bank account from the foundation we co-work with, Pittaya Suwan Foundation for Rural Development or PS Foundation, and every baht goes directly to those in need. It is really important to emphasise this. The volunteers all cover their own costs, so 100% of donations are spent on items like mattresses, blankets, and water pumps,” Adam explained.
“We are 100% transparent with managing the money and donations. So we’ve been advised by the foundation’s accountant now to collect all transfer slips from donors to keep the receipts of what we’ve purchased,” Adam said.
Local businesses in Hua Hin, including Daddy Deli, Trattoria by Andreas and The Lodge, are also supporting the effort by donating meals and drinks for every purchase made until 14th October.
For those unable to join the volunteer team, Adam said that even small donations can make a difference. “For just 300 baht, we can provide three blankets to a family that’s lost everything,” he said.
Donations can be made to the PS Foundation’s charitable account at Krungsri Bank (details below), and Adam is encouraging people to reach out if they are interested in joining the trip or contributing to the cause.
The flooding in Chiang Rai, caused by weeks of heavy rainfall, has devastated large parts of the province. Many families remain without running water or electricity, and the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. Cleanup efforts are expected to continue for several weeks, with ongoing support needed to help rebuild the lives of those affected.
For more information about how to help or to make a donation, contact can be made via the Hua Hin Heroes or Spine Clinic Facebook pages or by contacting Adam directly.
Donations can now be made to the registered charitable foundation account below, please send transfer details to Adam, Henrik, Hua Hin Heroes Facebook page or email; info@huahinheroes.org so that the foundation can track all funds.
Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri)
A/C No.: 187-1-20222-7
A/C name : PS.FOUNDATION (มูลนิธิ พิทยา สุวรรณ เพื่อการพัฒนาชนบท)
