CHIANG MAI – Local hill-tribe farmers are feeling the pressure as crop prices fall hard. Some shared their stories through tears, saying cabbage sells for less than 1 baht per kilogram. Because of that, a group in the city stepped in to help in a practical way.
Phra Kru Aod from Chedi Luang Temple, together with the Phetkasem Foundation and a network of volunteers, bought low-priced produce in bulk and turned it into free food sets for the public.
The team gathered more than 40 tons of fresh vegetables and fruit, including long eggplant, pumpkin, watermelon, and cabbage. Then they sorted and packed everything for distribution during Makha Bucha Day 2569 at the plaza by the Chedi Luang stupa, inside Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan in Mueang Chiang Mai.
Volunteers from the Mahamakut Buddhist University, Lanna Campus, joined local community members and other helpers. As a result, the packing moved quickly, and visitors who came to make merit could take home fresh produce to cook for their families.
Phra Kru Aod said the giveaway was offered as a form of Buddhist devotion on Makha Bucha, a major Buddhist holy day that honors the Ovada Patimokkha, teachings that focus on doing good, avoiding harm, and keeping the mind clear. At the same time, the activity also supported farmers who cannot cover costs when market prices collapse.
Sahachat Limcharoenphakdee, president of the Phetkasem Foundation, said the foundation alone purchased about 10 tons for this event. He added that much of the cabbage came from hill-tribe farms, where growers said the price had dropped so low that a kilogram was worth less than 1 baht.
Since Makha Bucha is an important merit-making day, the group chose to share the produce with temple visitors, so it could be used for meals and offered in the spirit of Buddhist giving.
Inside the temple grounds, the atmosphere stayed lively throughout the day. Many Buddhists and tourists came to pay respects and join candlelit processions. Meanwhile, the temple also lit traditional oil lamps around the Chedi Luang stupa, creating a warm glow across the courtyard.
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