When severe floods hit the city of Hat Yai on 22 November, one of the most affected places was a small, well-known manga shop that had served local readers for decades. Water quickly entered the store, leaving hundreds of comic books drenched and stacked in soggy piles.
For the long-time shop owner, it felt like years of memories and hard work were disappearing in a single day. But what happened next surprised everyone.
A Sudden Wave of Helping Hands
Early the next morning, regular customers began arriving to check on the owner and the damaged shop. Soon after, many newcomers also walked in, curious after seeing videos online about the flood.
Instead of just expressing sympathy, people started picking up wet books, carefully separating pages, and offering to bring the damaged comics home to dry.
In the video, dozens of people were seen lining up inside the small shop, each carrying a stack of soaked manga.
Restoring More Than Just Books
The shop owner said he never expected this kind of support. Many visitors shared stories about how they bought their first manga here or how the shop was part of their childhood. As they worked together, the dusty old store filled with warmth and laughter.
Some people gently wiped mud from covers, while others laid comics out in the sun. A few even brought tools, fans, and plastic boxes to help protect what was left.
Community Effort Grows Each Hour
By midday, more volunteers had arrived. Some came straight from work, still in uniform, while others traveled from nearby towns after hearing about the situation.
People continued coming throughout the day, turning the once-quiet shop into a place full of movement and activity.
Saving a Collection with Emotional Value
Although many books were damaged beyond repair, a large number were successfully saved. Even the ones with water stains were taken home by manga lovers who wanted to preserve whatever they could. For them, these books were not just paper—they were pieces of shared history.
Many said they felt happy to give the comics a “second life,” even if the pages were no longer perfect.
A Shop Filled With Hope Again
By evening, the shop owner reopened a small corner of his store to welcome helpers, offering drinks and snacks as a simple thank-you. The shelves looked uneven, with dry and wet books mixed together, but the atmosphere was bright and hopeful.
What could have been the end of the shop instead became a powerful reminder of how people can come together when someone is in need.
Watch the video here:
@thaipbsworld After the floods hit Hat Yai, an iconic manga shop was left with hundreds of damaged books. Today, regulars and newcomers alike are helping take the drenched comics home, giving the collection a second life and supporting the shop’s long-time owner. #ThaiPBSWorld #HatyaiFloods #หาดใหญ่ น้ำท่วม
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