Help Support Refugees in My Village in Surin, Thailand

When I bought my ticket to Thailand three months ago, I had imagined this would be a fun trip. Just me, no kids, a girls’ getaway with a . I planned to explore Bangkok, meet up with friends, do some food research, and take photos with my professional cameras, my other deep passion—finally enjoying the parts of Thailand I often miss on family trips.

But life had other plans.

Surin’s Conflict Changed Everything

Since late June, my home province of Surin, Thailand—right near the Cambodia border—has been caught in a conflict that no one saw coming. Though ceasefire talks have been mentioned, the threat still lingers. Gunshots and small fights are still going on and have been heard. Fear remains. And as of now, the government and local leaders still aren’t allowing residents to return home.

Earlier in June, Surin declared a code red (high risk). Everyone was told to pack a bag with essential items and be ready to evacuate at any moment. Their bags are still packed. While there have been discussions of a ceasefire, the talks have been shaky—and hopes for peace remain uncertain.

My Village Is Caring for Others—Even in Crisis

Once again, the women in my village have stepped up—cooking, cleaning, and caring for those who’ve been displaced. I've been sending my own personal funds to help them buy ingredients and make meals for the entire village. Many villagers are not working right now, and the markets—some of which are even closer to the border than we are—remain only partially open. Transportation is scarce. Even buying basics is harder now.

Tensions and fear are still high. People remain unsure when—or if—they’ll be allowed to return home.

My old elementary school—where I went from kindergarten through sixth grade—is now a shelter for over 700 refugees. And for the first time ever, my village of just 300 people is now sheltering over 100 refugees—at the church, in people’s homes, and anywhere with a roof to protect them from the rain. (It’s rainy season now.)

What They Need Now

As days pass and families remain displaced, new needs keep arising. While they are grateful for the dried food, rice, and shelter they’ve received from local support, the situation is ongoing and hard. They’re not working. Their kids aren’t in school. Their homes sit empty and their cattle and animals are unattended. And they’re doing their best to hold on.

Here's how you can help support their most urgent needs:

Immediate Needs:

Tents and raincoats (rainy season has arrived)
Shoes and flip-flops
Blankets, pillows, and sleeping mats

For Children and Babies:

Diapers and baby formula
Kid-friendly snacks

For Women:

Feminine hygiene products
Underwear and basic clothing items

Hygiene Essentials:

Shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs
Laundry detergent

Medical & Wellness:

Over-the-counter medicine (for colds, fevers, cuts, aches)
Bug repellent and mosquito spray

Food Support:

Nutritious meal ingredients (in addition to ramen, eggs, and tuna)
Rice and long-lasting cooking staples

A Note On the Conflict

While this fundraiser focuses on my Thai village and the refugees now sheltering in our community, I recognize that families on the Cambodian side of the border are also deeply affected by this crisis. My heart aches for all who are displaced and living in fear—on both sides.

While I deeply sympathize with the families on the Cambodian side, I don’t have personal connections there, and I hesitate to donate to government organizations in Cambodia. For now, I’m focusing on helping the people I know and love—my village and the refugees staying with them—where I can ensure the support goes straight to those in need.

With this extremely sensitive conflict, and how close we are to Cambodian culture—especially in Surin—please know that my intentions are never to hurt, divide, or blame. My heart hurts fully for the innocent people caught up in this ugly war.

My Upcoming Trip & How You Can Help

I’ll be flying to Thailand on August 18. Originally, this trip was meant to be personal—a chance to rest, explore, and reconnect. Due to the current crisis, I’m unsure if I’ll be able to safely return to my village. However, with your donations, I’ll be able to send funds directly to support both my village, the refugees there and the 600+ refugees currently sheltering at my former elementary school.

If you’ve followed my blog, Simply Suwanee, or watched me on PBS’s The Great American Recipe, you know that my story started in this very village. I was raised by a community that showed me resilience, generosity, and heart. I want to give back now in a way that truly counts. Read about my Feed the village project here and here.

Even if I can't go back to the village, I’ll be using this trip to coordinate and send help on the ground.

These Recipes Started in My Village—Here’s a Way to Give Back

If you’ve ever made one of my recipes, enjoyed it, or shared it with friends and family, would you consider donating—even just a few dollars? Many of the Thai recipes, stories, and techniques I share started with this very village—with the people and women who raised me, who taught me how to cook, eat, and share life together in good times and bad.

Even the smallest donation can help provide a warm blanket, a clean pair of shoes, or a nourishing meal for someone who’s lost their sense of home.

Donate via GoFundMe →DONATE HERE.

No amount is too small. Please give what you can and share this fundraiser.

Read about my village and my story of living in Surin here.

Even the smallest donation can help provide a warm blanket, a clean pair of shoes, or a nourishing meal for someone who’s lost their sense of home.