A man standing in a large dield with mountains in the background, holding a large fruit.
Where we work

Thailand

In Thailand, Diakonia supports a variety of local partner organizations with a focus on the rights of minority groups, mainly in the northern parts of the country. Our partners work with ethnic minority groups on issues relating to human rights, democracy, social and economic justice, and gender.

Thailand has a population of around 65 million people, of whom more than 1 million in northern Thailand belong to the country’s 56 ethnic minority groups. Ethnic minorities lack political influence, are under-represented in civil society and are vulnerable to discrimination and exploitation. They have limited access to higher education, employment opportunities and healthcare. Without legal status, they are not allowed to travel freely within Thailand.

The rights of minorities

In Thailand, Diakonia supports local organizations that strive to protect the rights of ethnic minority groups, mainly in the northern parts of Thailand. Our partner organizations work on issues related to human rights, local democracy, social and economic justice, and gender equality. One particular focus of our work is the right of stateless people to obtain legal status and citizenship, as this enables access to other rights and protections. We also work with children’s rights, anti-trafficking, rehabilitation of victims of trafficking, and support for migrants and for refugees in the camps along the border with Myanmar.

Supporting Myanmar and Respecting Thai Sovereignty

The military coup in Myanmar in February 2021 began a period of unrest and violence in the country, leading to people fleeing their homes for safety. Many of these people fled to Thailand's border areas and cannot return.

Temporary shelter in Thailand has been offered to the people fleeing the violence on the other side of the river. Host communities supported by Diakonia have received these people and provided immediate relief - such as food, medical needs, and safety.

Read about the project and learn more about the situation in our brochure. 

Diakonia is an accompanying partner with a local presence and we engage with our implementing partners through dialogue, funding and capacity building. Together with our partner organizations, we work to increase their ability to demand and defend human rights and boost their participation in democratic processes. We also support partner advocacy work on regional and national level.

Diakonia’s work makes a difference

  • Through cooperation with local partner organizations, Diakonia has driven forward the agenda of ethnic minorities and sustainable development. Significant progress has been made in increasing community participation and in demanding and defending people’s rights and many people have received Thai citizenship or other legal statuses.
  • With the support of Diakonia, partners have empowered volunteers and established networks at community level, raising awareness about human rights. The networks also provide legal support to people subject to human rights violations.
  • The legal status network was established in 2013. Within it, civil society organizations work to protect people and provide legal support, as well as working on advocacy and raising awareness of human rights, especially those relating to legal status and citizenship rights.

    For more information

    Bandit Yuenyongtham, Country Director Thailand

    Phone: +66 819600461

    A woman in a pink blouse and brown hair looks into the camera, in the background there is a river.

    Breaking Chains, Building Dreams

    Born in a small village in the North of Thailand, Ms. Prakairat Tandee faced the harsh reality of gender inequality from a young age. Through the support of the Center for Girls Foundation (CFGF) and Diakonia, Prakairat was able to break free from the chains of gender stereotypes, becoming a pioneering female leader in her community.

    “The training transformed my perspective and actions. Women can do it. Women can create change”, says Prakairat.

    Defending Indigenous Rights

    As part of Diakonia’s mission to create sustainable change for the most vulnerable people, we support initiatives such as the Strengthening Solidarity and Capacity of Local Leaders to Advance Indigenous Rights in Thailand (SCLAIR).

    In partnership with the Indigenous Peoples’ Foundation for Education and Environment (IPF), we have empowered dedicated Indigenous Peoples Human Rights Defenders like Piboon Thuwamonthon to safeguard their community’s rights and traditions.

    A woman wearing a scarf and a hat, standing in the water and holding up seaweed.

    Reshaping Women's Lives in Chiang Khong

    From Seaweed to Strength

    Nestled in the heart of the Chiang Khong district in Northern Thailand, a group of women has found an unlikely source of empowerment – collecting freshwater seaweed.

    “When I joined the group with other women in my village, I felt confident and empowered”, says Chutikarn Rattanatrai, one of the female Kai collectors.

    A woman in an orange t-short is seen from above.

    Advocating for women's and girls' rights

    Exclusive interview with Nunnaree Luangmoi

    Nunnaree Luangmoi is the Co-founder and Director of the Center for Girls Foundation (CFG), one of the partners of Diakonia in Thailand. Her tireless efforts to provide girls and young women with access to education, training, and support have empowered them to become confident and successful individuals, breaking down barriers and overcoming discrimination.

    A woman standing with a child.

    Fight for land rights in Thailand

    Saengduen Tinyot plants rubber trees for a living, but her life changed when she was prosecuted for illegally cultivating land.

    Saengduen’s case is an example of how the government uses the green and environmental discourse to justify their unfair policy, says the organization People’s Movement for a Just Society.

    The needs for conservation and human rights should not be kept separately.

    Girl in hammock

    "Like a bird in a cage"

    For more than 30 years refugees from Myanmar have lived in camps along the border to Thailand. 20-year old Ella is one of them.
    “It is hard because we aren’t legal migrants. I feel like a bird in a cage. If you unlocked it, I would fly away!” she says.