SMALL PEOPLE MAKE A STRONG COMMUNITY
Locall was formed to help small eateries, especially those run by the older generation. It gives them exposure through active social media campaigns, introducing them to potential customers from outside the community.
Its latest project targets struggling restaurants and food stalls that have been hit hard by the government’s COVID-19 restrictions.
Each month, participating eateries would inform Locall’s staff of how much money they need to make to stay afloat. The amounts would then be converted into a number of meals and announced online for customers to choose from.
“Locall has brought me some relief,” said 51-year-old Wasan Borisut.
He and his wife have sold Phad Thai noodles and oyster omelettes for 26 years. Their stall used to be packed with hundreds of locals and tourists. But since COVID-19 hit Thailand last year, their income has dropped by 60 per cent.
After joining Locall, the couple received 800 orders in one single week. Many of them were for donation as the platform also connects food sellers with customers who wish to donate food to those in need.
“This is good for both food sellers and people with nothing to eat,” Wasan said. “I can’t really save up these days but I still have a lot of debt. With Locall’s help, life has become a bit easier.”
Another participating seller is 32-year-old Titiga Rattanareethai, who sells the popular Thai staple Phad Kaprao – a spicy stir-fry with holy basil. Her restaurant has been mostly empty for more than a year now.
“Locall has resuscitated me, really, because I received about 400 orders from them. That has helped me a lot,” she said. “They’re like a speaker telling people that I exist.”
Since June, about 50,000 meals have been ordered and sold through Locall. Wilailak from Three Aunties’ told CNA she had just received a new order of 400 meals.
“What we get from this will be used to pay rent,” she said. “I’d like to thank them for helping us.”
Like other restaurants in Bangkok, Three Aunties’ had to suspend its dining-in services for more than seven weeks as a result of the government’s COVID-19 restrictions.
Although dining-in was allowed to resume on Wednesday (Sep 1) with limited seating, Locall’s work is far from over. Its team believes there are future challenges for the community as they continue to grow.
“Locall will remain as long as it can connect the community. So with or without COVID-19, or whatever happens, our team believes that connecting the community together and strengthening it is the heart of Locall,” said Peangploy.
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