In the heart of bustling Bangkok, as the world gradually embraces a new day, the city finds itself in a peculiar conundrum—a series of shelters, standing strong and ready, yet echoing with a silence that betrays their purpose.
First, meet the Din Daeng Service Centre for the Elderly. Nestled quietly amidst the city’s vibrant chaos, this haven is prepared to welcome up to 70 individuals. Today, it finds itself partially filled, with 57 inviting spots still waiting to be occupied by those in need. It’s a place where the elderly could find solace and security, offering a refuge where stories of the past mingle with hopes for tomorrow.
A little way across the city, at Wat Samian Nari School in the Chatuchak district, lies another shelter. With the capacity to embrace 150 souls, it’s a space seemingly untouched by the city’s tumult, miraculously standing completely empty, ready to extend its sheltering arms to those who seek it.
Further down the line, within proximity to a site marked by tragedy—the collapsed State Audit Office building—stands a waiting centre. Currently, it serves as a temporary home for 14 individuals, a modest haven amidst the unsettling backdrop of Chatuchak district. Here, amidst worn walls and quiet corridors, narratives unfold as kin gather, waiting, hoping, and healing from the invisible scars of disrupted lives.
For those striving to find an alternative avian nest amid concrete jungles, a new light shines. In a proactive leap of compassion, Airbnb.org has graciously come forth, offering a respite from upheaval. Through a benevolent collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), they have committed to providing an astounding 5,000 nights of free temporary accommodation.
Affected individuals, now more than ever, can momentarily forget the burdens of uncertainty as they tap into Airbnb’s global tapestry of community-driven stays. Through this initiative, they are welcomed to temporarily nest in a myriad of abodes throughout Bangkok, free of charge, for up to 14 days—a gesture of solidarity amidst adversity.
As the clock ticks on this novel endeavor, 364 households, as recorded by April 2, 2025, at 12:30 p.m., have already tethered their hopes and their need for sanctuary to Airbnb’s open doors. Air continuing amidst the uncertainty, offering an embrace of practicality wrapped in warmth.
For anyone seeking a ray of hope among the scattered clouds of transition, an access point awaits at the touch of a fingertip. An invitation extended through a digital form, accessible at https://forms.gle/ADQNXWCqorJuYEj48, holds the promise of relief, bridging gaps between uncertainty and opportunity.
Indeed, as times evolve and challenges persist, the communal spirit rises to remind us all that even amidst uncertainty, pockets of human kindness and solidarity stand unwavering. Whether it’s a shelter in Din Daeng, an unoccupied hall in Chatuchak, or a digital platform weaving temporary yet vital shelter, the message resonates clearly: hope persists and the world remains inherently caring, one shelter at a time.
#BMA #Bangkok #earthquake #Airbnb #shelter #waitingcentre #แผ่นดินไหว #กทม
The initiative by Airbnb.org is commendable! It’s great to see corporations step up in times of need.
Sure, but isn’t this just a PR move? Companies only care about profits.
Maybe. Even if it is, people are still being helped. That’s what matters at the end of the day.
I don’t think it’s fair to judge their motives based on this one action. Let’s give credit where it’s due.
Interesting how these shelters remain empty. Does it indicate inefficiency in management or an issue with public awareness?
Why not encourage locals to volunteer more actively at these shelters? Community engagement can make a huge difference!
Agreed! Sometimes people aren’t aware or don’t know how they can help.
Volunteering’s great, but we need structural solutions from the government.
Are there any plans for the remaining unoccupied spots in the shelters? It seems like such a waste.
I wonder if they could repurpose them as community centers or workshops when not in use as shelters.
That’s a good idea, Ravi. It could keep them active and more integrated with the community.
I think Airbnb is setting an example here—corporate social responsibility at its finest. Now, which other companies will follow suit?
It’s a challenging act to follow; let’s see how others react.
These efforts are good, but shouldn’t we focus more on preventing these tragedies rather than just responding to them?
Prevention is always hard to sell until disaster strikes, unfortunately.
I hope the local government continues to work closely with such initiatives. Cooperation is key.
Totally. Government and private sectors need to work in tandem more often.
I am skeptical. How do we ensure the proper allocation of temporary stays offered by Airbnb?
They should incorporate a transparent system. Otherwise, this assistance might not reach those who truly need it.
The collaboration is definitely a step towards something bigger. Let’s hope it inspires a series of new humanitarian bylaws.
Agreed. We need more proactive measures around the world.
How do we educate more people about these options, especially those who aren’t tech-savvy?
The shelters should be turned into multipurpose centers in peacetime, so they remain lively and connected to the community.
Very true! Plus, it could create jobs and skill development opportunities.
I love this use of technology—the link to the Google Form makes it so accessible and quick for those seeking help.
Digital solutions have so much potential to make aid efficient and wide-reaching.
Interesting to see how a city that’s so developed could have such gaps in disaster response systems.
Complex urban landscapes can make resource allocation a real challenge.
The idea of turning shelters into a digital network is fascinating. Could it be implemented on a global scale?