The meals stay good thanks to the same “basic” thermal processing used with canned food, says Saowakon, but it’s been adapted to lighter packaging for ease of transport.
“Neither dish requires electricity or even heat or water,” Pavinee points out. “And of course the bread is ready to eat without a spoon or fork.”
Not that people who’ve been neck-deep in floodwater for 30 straight days really care much, but these meals actually taste okay as well, courtesy of the small packet of crispy fish attached to the rice bag and the chilli paste that comes with the bread.
“Thais love a strong taste, so the fish and chilli paste make the meals more appetising than just plain, dry food,” says Saowakon.