Group raises flood relief funds

IU’s Thai Student Association is raising money to help flood relief efforts in Thailand.

The floods in Thailand started in late July and have covered almost one-third of the country, said TSA member and sophomore Nichaya Hongwiangjan.

TSA member Ek Lewchalermwongse said while flooding is common during Thailand’s monsoon season, this is the worst flooding the country has seen in 50 years.

A first year Kelley MBA international student, Lewchalermwongse left Thailand in August. He said many of his friends had to move elsewhere.

It is estimated more than three million people have been forced to evacuate their homes, according to the club’s fundraising flyer.

“Usually the water will not go into Bangkok, the capital, but this year many areas of Bangkok are under water,” Lewchalermwongse said. “So many factories are closed. The economy damage is really high this time.”

Local Thai restaurants, including My Thai Cafe, Siam House, Delicious Thai Kitchen and Esan Thai Restaurant, donated food for the Thai lunch Wednesday at the Kelley School of Business. The event was open only to Kelley MBA students.

Lewchalermwongse, who worked to organize the lunch, said about 120 tickets were sold for $10 each.

“If it’s successful, we might do it for a larger group of people,” Hongwiangjan said. “We have the website for everyone to donate.”

Hongwiangjan said they have raised $1,500 so far between the lunch, a Thai tea sale at Ballantine Hall a few weeks ago and donations online and from in-class presentations about the flooding.

The money will be donated to the Thai Red Cross Society, TSA member Netita Sowanwanichakul said.

Lewchalermwongse said he is not sure of plans for future fundraisers, but he thought the Thai lunch was a successful first attempt.

“My friends in the MBA wanted to help way before I asked them, and they spread the word really quickly,” Lewchalermwongse said. “I see the same kind of interest and enthusiasm from the restaurants. I’m really impressed by that.”