A heartfelt mission bringing gourmet meals to those defending Thailand
In a moving show of solidarity and culinary compassion, Chef Charity Thailand, led by founder Khun Jeab – Nantiya Intralib, recently organized a mission to bring hot, homemade meals and essential supplies to Thai soldiers stationed at the Cambodian border. The initiative saw the collaboration of Thailand’s most respected culinary names: Chef Bo and Chef Dylan (Bo.lan), Chef Chumpol Jangprai (R-HAAN), and Chef Moo – Chieabwut Kuppasirikul (Table X).
The chefs embarked on a three-day journey across remote border provinces currently under dispute, including Nam Yuen District in Ubon Ratchathani, Pha Mor E Daeng in Si Sa Ket, and Ta Muen Thom Temple in Surin. Their goal: to cook and serve nourishing, gourmet Thai meals prepared fresh on-site—each one infused with love, heritage, and the spirit of giving.
“The menu had to be practical, but packed with nutrition and soul,” said Jeab. “We wanted every bite to show that someone truly cares.”
Culinary Excellence Meets Field Conditions
Chef Bo, known for her zero-waste culinary ethos, brought 700 banana leaf wraps for sticky rice steaming and later switched to lotus leaves on the second day. She prepared sun-dried organic pork marinated in herbal infusions of garlic, turmeric, and pepper—then used the broth to steam glutinous rice, creating a natural antibiotic-rich staple.
The result? A Thai-style fine dining set of sticky rice, grilled pork skewers, and a hand-pounded Nam Prik chili paste—made from a fusion of three recipes, jazzed up with a dash of fermented fish (pla ra) and crispy salmon skin provided by a sponsoring seafood company.
Chef Chumpol, meanwhile, brought in premium wagyu beef to create a dry-fried Pad Kra Pao dish. High in fat and protein, the dish was designed to be long-lasting and easy to reheat—ideal for soldiers stationed in unpredictable field conditions.
“It may have been one meal, but we made it three times at three different border posts. Freshly made, every time,” Jeab added.
Supporting Those Who Protect
This humanitarian food mission wasn’t just about cooking. The team also delivered daily necessities including insect repellent, topical ointments for skin conditions, clean underwear, socks, towels, and detergent. During the rainy season, many Thai soldiers suffer from fungal infections due to constantly wet clothing.
What they found on the ground was sobering: many military outposts lacked access to even basic supplies. Some soldiers queued to buy meals or hygiene items, with only a few vendors available in the area.
One under-discussed group was the Thai paramilitary units (Thahan Phran), who often operate in more isolated, under-resourced areas. “These are the people quietly holding the line,” Jeab said. “We want to go back—again and again—to the places people often overlook.”
Sticky Rice, Not Just a Staple—A Lifeline
Jeab emphasized that if anyone wants to donate, sticky rice is the number one priority. It’s filling, locally favored, and easy to store. Other suitable items include fried fish, dry goods, chili pastes, herbal ointments, and long-shelf-life foods like those granted by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who has donated pre-cooked rice packs that last up to 20 months and don’t require refrigeration.
“It’s not about giving a lot, but giving thoughtfully,” Jeab says. “We don’t need fancy dishes. Soldiers just want something warm, tasty, and familiar.”
Logistics are key—especially when transporting food to remote zones. Improperly packed meals can spoil quickly, especially in tropical climates. Jeab urges donors and volunteers to work with professionals or understand proper food safety when sending care packages.
A Call for Better Roads and Long-Term Support
Beyond food and essentials, Jeab has one more wish: better infrastructure. In many areas, rain turns dirt roads into muddy quagmires, delaying crucial military or medical support. “A good road could make the difference between help arriving on time or not,” she said.
Chef Charity Thailand has long been known for hosting glamorous fundraising dinners, but this mission reflects its deeper purpose—to stand with the people who protect Thailand’s sovereignty, especially in times of tension and need.
“We’ll keep going,” Jeab concludes. “But only if we’re not a burden to the troops. We’re here to support, not disrupt.”
Want to help? Here are the most-needed items:
• Sticky rice
• Dried foods
• Thai chili pastes (Nam Prik or Jaew)
• Skin ointments, mosquito repellent, anti-itch creams
• Military-grade undergarments, socks, towels
• Soap, shampoo, detergent
For more about Chef Charity Thailand and how to support upcoming missions, follow #ChefCharity