CARE International’s history in Thailand
CARE International started working in Thailand in 1979, initially to support people fleeing the humanitarian crisis in Cambodia. Five years later, we expanded our work to help communities facing other challenges, including hunger, education, and HIV/AIDS prevention.
For over four decades, CARE – known today in Thailand as the Raks Thai Foundation – has continued to fight poverty and inequality in the country. In 2023, Raks Thai became one of CARE International’s 20 Members and Affiliates - the first Member from a developing country.
CARE and partners’ work in Thailand today
Today, Raks Thai and partners fight poverty and inequality in Thailand, with a focus on women and girls.
We concentrate on five key areas:
- Adaptation and reduction of climate change impacts
- Gender equality
- Children and youth development, including STEM education and foundational skills
- Health, with a focus on health rights and disease prevention among vulnerable groups
- Humanitarian aid
Partnerships are essential to Raks Thai's efforts. We work closely with communities, civil society, government agencies, and the private sector to deliver sustainable and locally led development programs.
Focus on women and girls
Women and girls are the centre of Raks Thai and all of CARE International’s work. We seek to address specific needs, while boosting their unique potential to transform their lives and of those around them.
In Thailand, this work includes helping women earn a dignified income and enhance their leadership potential. We support women-led small businesses and facilitate their access to financial tools, such as loans and bank accounts, among other services.
Supporting migrant workers, particularly women, is also a key part of our efforts. We address violence against women and girls, promote access to justice, and help people access essential health and protection services.
What does this look like in practice?
As it happens in multiple countries, many women in Thailand still face great barriers to earning an income. This includes women who are constrained by cultural beliefs and attitudes, such as single mothers, survivors of gender-based violence, or ethnic groups like the Malabri (the word "Mala" means person, and "Bri" means forest, meaning "forest people"), who have been forced to migrate to cities due to deforestation and global warming.
The "She Made It" project aims to help change that. We support women to develop professional skills and access tools and services that help improve their livelihoods.
The Raks Thai Foundation supports single mothers in producing batik hand-painted fabrics, a traditional craft. We also work with Malabri women, redirecting skills previously used to produce "Nyok — bags made from natural vines used for migration — to create products such as woven bags, earrings, and bracelets.
Earnings from these products have a great impact on participating women. It boosts their self-confidence and challenges harmful stereotypes as they can earn an income and support their families.
Learn more about Raks Thai’s work here.
