1. This trash-focused volunteer group from Koh Lipe

Three years ago, Sakdadech Susaweang founded Trash Heroes, a volunteer group dedicated to picking up trash around the islands and national parks of Southern Thailand. After making headlines with their success, the group has now expanded to Bangkok and beyond, where people meet for weekly cleanups. As of April 2016, the group had removed 155 metric tons of garbage in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Prague and more.

www.facebook.com/trashherothailand

2. The rock star who raised millions 

Athiwara “Toon” Khongmalai, lead singer of the popular rock band Bodyslam, took time away from music this year and challenged himself to run 400km from Bangkok to Bang Saphan in only 10 days. As eyes all around the country watched him run, Toon collected donations along the way that would contribute to providing hospitals around the country with better facilities and equipment. On Dec 10, the singer finally reached his finish line—raising a total of more than B70 million for charity.
 

3. The volunteers at Sanam Luang

Ever since the passing of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thais have offered up their time to volunteer at Sanam Luang in countless ways. Now, several months later, there are still no signs of things slowing down. On top of the motorbike and taxi drivers giving out free rides to the palace, volunteers have set up camp to hand out free food all day long, pick up trash around the palace, offer medical services or hand out water, mosquito repellent, fans, umbrellas and more. The combined efforts of these generous acts have brought together Thai people during a time of mourning.

4. The green movement that plants trees around Chiang Mai

In an initiative to make the city cooler, Mue Yen Mueng Yen is a project that began with inviting 30 local celebrities to plant trees around Chiang Mai, share the photos on Facebook and challenge three other people to do the same. The result was a massive trend that spread around Thailand, leading to more than 5,000 trees being planted. Now, the organization is expanding to improving bad waters in Chiang Mai’s canals too.

www.facebook.com/meuangyen

Credit: Marcelo Fernandes Lopes

5. Bang Nam Pueng Market in Phra Padaeng

Ten years ago, a group of locals wanting to create a better livelihood for themselves came together to sell their food in a small plantation behind Wat Bangnampueng. What started as a few stalls has now turned into one of the most popular weekend markets for Bangkokians looking for a quick day trip out of town. On top of stalls selling some of the most loved street food in the area, the space also now hosts activities like pedal boating or biking along the canal. Not only has this project helped countless people with permanent space to sell their food and guarantee a more stable income, it has also resulted in a great destination for a fun family day out.

6. The telethon that raised millions for flood relief 

On Jan 16, the country came together for the "Civil-State United in Relief of Southern Flood" event, a two-hour-long charity telethon to raise funds for victims of the heavy flooding that has hit Southern Thailand this year. The event was broadcasted live around the country and saw many ministry officials, local celebrities and the prime minister himself answer phones to accept donations, which in total reached over B329 million. 

KICKER

#WEWILLKEEPWALKING

In celebration of the incredible things which Thailand can achieve when we work together as one nation, Johnnie Walker Thailand recently created “We Will Keep Walking,” a powerful 90 second video that illustrates the spirit of unity across the country.

Watch the video below: