Keeree Kanjanapas leads BTS Group to continue supporting COVID-19 relief efforts, sending 20,000 'Box of Relief & Happiness' via Kerry Express to households in Bangkok and vicinity
With the COVID-19 situation in Thailand appearing to be taking a positive turn, Mr. Keeree Kanjanapas, Chairman of the BTS Group Holdings Plc., expressed that “thanks to the cooperation from all parties in Thailand – the government, heathcare workers, the private sector and the general public – in strictly following the state guidelines and policies in combating the virus, the situation in our country is gradually improving. However, despite the relief efforts and subsidies from the government, there are still many people who have been affected by the slowdown in economic activities during the extended lockdown due to COVID-19 and many are still unable to return to their jobs and earn their usual income as the situation has not returned to normal.”
To offer some relief to those whose lives have been disrupted by the impact of the coronavirus outbreak, the BTS Group has launched the “Box of Relief & Happiness” campaign to deliver 20,000 sets of relief boxes (altogether 40,000 boxes, weighing 400 tons) containing rice, dry food, instant food and seasonings worth THB 25mn to affected families residing in Bangkok and vinicity. This is part of the Group’s continual efforts to help people in Thailand get through the COVID-19 crisis.
“I am contributing my personal funds together with the BTS Group’s, worth THB 100mn, to provide assistance to those battling COVID-19. Prior to this campaign, I have sponsored THB 60mn to the “White Gown Warriors Fighting Against COVID-19 Campaign' of the Medical Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage to provide life insurance for 280,000 medical personnel and 100,000 healthcare workers such as practical nurses and radiological and medical technologists, and set up a THB 10mn fund to support village health volunteers. Moreover, the BTS Group has supported the Royal Thai Police’s “Relief and Happiness Meal Boxes” initiative to distribute 500 meal boxes per day in the capital's poorest communities,” added Mr. Keeree.
Mr. Keeree further explained, “As part of the “Box of Relief & Happiness” campaign, the BTS Group has collaborated with motorcycle taxi drivers along the BTS line to collect information on families affected by COVID-19, and now we have received a list of their names and addresses. To make it convenient for recipients and follow the social distancing policy, we will deliver the relief boxes to their homes via Kerry Express (Thailand) Company Limited delivery service from June 2020 onwards.”
“During this difficult time, we have witnessed the dedication and collaboration from various stakeholders, both from the public and private sectors, as well as individuals who have shown numerous acts of kindness and compassion to help others. The BTS Group would also like to offer our encouragement and support to everyone to get through this crisis together. As part of our campaign, we wish to play part in sharing a little happiness to the Thai people in this trying time,” the Chairman of the BTS Group ended.
