COVID-19 Changes Lives, and Changes Thai Spirits
Osotspa “Life Must Go On” Project Provides Support to Overcome the COVID-19 Pandemic
The economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have altered people’s lives. Many have lost their jobs and incomes. Committed to stand side by side with Thais, Osotspa has continued its ‘Life Must Go On’ project to create new job opportunities for those affected to help in overcoming this pandemic together.
Mr. Thana Chaiprasit, Acting CEO of Osotspa Public Company Limited, said, “Osotspa has pledged to continue to stand side by side with Thais through our sustainable support programs and contributions – which is part of our DNA. Thailand continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic which has impacted people’s livelihoods and well-being, specifically those who have lost their jobs. The ‘Life Must Go On’ project, therefore, has a clear purpose of playing a pivotal role and empowering Thais to overcome this pandemic together, by creating opportunities for those who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19 – which happens to be in many provinces where Osotspa’s offices and plants are located. Through this project, we can help Thais to renew their commitment to work, earn an income, and move on with their lives.”
The ‘Life Must Go On’ project is selecting eligible participants who are affected by the pandemic, including 200 families living in Bangkok, Samut Prakarn, Ayutthaya, and Saraburi. Within the project, there are two different career development pathways: Opening a Special Drink Stand with Osotspa’s products, such as Lemon Honey Soda Drinks using C-Vitt Lemon, passion fruit and honey shakes using ‘Black Galingale Shark,’ and secondly, the sale and delivery of beverages. Osotspa is providing comprehensive training, from making the drink recipes, sales techniques and accounting, Osotspa’s products, equipment, and supplies for opening drink shops, together with the supplies required for beverage sales and deliveries, so that participants can begin their new careers and earn an income to support their families. Osotspa executives, including Mrs. Kannikar Chalitaporn, Chairperson of the Executive Committee and Mr. Thana Chaiprasit, Acting CEO, joined the training session to present the equipment and offered encouragement to the project’s participants.
Mr. Sompop Kotongrit, a tour guide in Phuket who moved back to Bangkok, his hometown, after COVID-19 shutdown the tourism sector, is a participant in the ‘Life Must Go On’ project. “Before the pandemic, I was well-recognized by many as ‘Golf Treasure’ and ‘Golf Phuket’ as we opened a travel agency which survived numerous crises. However, we lost everything with COVID-19 and the shutdown. So, I decided to move back to Bangkok this past March. Previously, I could make 4,000 baht a day. Then, I made nothing. After moving back, I opened a shop selling Pa Thong Ko (Thai-style crullers), homemade ginger juice, and creamy chocolate. Initially, I have to admit that it was so challenging that I nearly gave up but I somehow managed to pull myself together to go on. After joining the project, Osotspa provided the knowledge and support, the tools and equipment, which were all very helpful and reinforced my efforts in starting this new job. I also gained new know-how which allows me to have more options and solutions for my life. I’m very thankful for this well-meaning project and feel fortunate to have been given a new opportunity to move on with my life.”
Mrs. Thanapa Kriengmonkol, a former per diem worker who was paid 800 baht a day to fasten stamps on liquor bottles, also joined the project. She said, “During the COVID-19 pandemic, I had no job and neither did my husband. We were working to look after 11 members in our family, including four grandchildren. It was a real struggle selling things during the COVID-19 outbreak which affected people’s purchasing power. We decided to take a personal loan to make ends meet and consolidate our debts. Sometimes, we didn’t have enough money to buy the products we wanted to sell. It was a very tough time. We were more afraid of starvation than COVID-19, and desperated to earn an income before being approached by Osotspa. We were given the chance to join this project which provides support with the supplies required to open a drink stand selling moneymaking juices, smoothies and shakes. We were surprised and over the moon, thankful for their contributions of expensive supplies which we couldn’t afford on our own. We put all our efforts into running this drink stand and now we have enough money to support our grandchildren’s education. No matter how long COVID-19 lasts, I’ll never stop fighting.”
Mr. Wattana Thongtab, a former company officer who looked after his family, including the baby who was almost 1 month old when he became unemployed, said, “After being laid-off, I had to work harder to make sure that I earned an income for my family’s needs to attain a modest yet adequate standard of living. After completing the training, we now know how to develop business strategies and presentations and how best to apply them to our future businesses. I am very thankful for Osotspa for the great ideas they put into this project which is providing us with new career opportunities and a chance to share our experiences and ideas with others. Now, we can start a profitable new business that has positively impacted our lives. Although our lives have changed, I’m not embarrassed but proud of what I’m doing for myself and the well-being of my family.”
COVID-19 has altered the way Thais live, but changed their spirit and made them ready to fight. The ‘Life Must Go On’ project is committed to supporting Thais to stand up, fight and feel empowered to live their lives. To follow a video about the stories of the project’s participants and their drive to never stop fighting, visit Osotspa Corporate’s Facebook fan page.
