Present in Thailand since 2013, Acted is focusing its interventions on the Thailand/Myanmar border, providing critical support to Burmese individuals who have been displaced into the camps of Ban Mai Nai Soi and Ban Mae Surin, Mae Hong Son province. To address the needs of camp populations, Acted’s action in Thailand contributes to sustainable socio-economic development, while ensuring a localised response by building the capacity of local actors. Therefore, Acted operates under the 3ZERO Programmatic Pillars of Institutions and Civil Society Strengthening and Inclusive Economic Opportunities.
For decades, Thailand has been receiving influxes of displaced people from neighbouring countries, including Myanmar. Three years since the military takeover in Myanmar on 01 February 2021, the situation has significantly worsened, marked by conflict escalation, which has led to increased displacement. As of July 2024, there are currently nine temporary shelters established along the Thailand-Myanmar border, which are hosting more than 90,000 Burmese people as per the Royal Thai Government and UNHCR.
The camp population is dependent on humanitarian assistance in order to address their essential needs, including food, water, shelter, health, education, protection, etc. To build their resilience and self-reliance, Acted has built the capacity of local actors, which support Acted in the development of sustainable livelihoods and the promotion of income-generating activities for Burmese people displaced in camps.
Acted in Thailand
Leveraging its presence and experience implementing critical interventions in both Thailand and in Myanmar – where Acted is addressing the needs of disaster-affected communities – Acted has worked on the Thailand-Myanmar border since 2012. Acted is supporting the coordination and response along the border with UNHCR and members of the Committee for Coordination of Service Displaced Populations.
In Thailand, Acted has a strong and established presence in Mae Hong Son, which allows Acted to respond to needs arising from cross-borders movements in a timely and efficient manners, while building local capacities to respond to local needs. Through a cross-border approach, Acted’s operations have been focused on fostering the resilience and self-sufficiency of affected and displaced individuals through the provision of livelihoods assistance and the promotion of inclusive economic opportunities. Building upon existing capacities and skills among the displaced populations, Acted’s livelihood interventions in Thailand have focused on advanced-level vocational training as well as business and entrepreneurship development assistance to support them in establishing their own small businesses.
ACTED
Ban Mae Surin refugee camp, 2017
ACTED
ACTED staff and students at ACTED's vocational training centre in Ban Mae Surin refugee camp, Thailand, October 2017
ACTED
Students at ACTED's training centre in Ban Mae Surin refugee camp, Thailand, October 2017
ACTED
Ban Mae Surin refugee camp, 2017
ACTED
Ban Mae Surin refugee camp, 2017
ACTED
ACTED vocational training centre in Ban Mae Surin refugee camp, Thailand, October 2017
Humanitarian coordination
The Committee for Coordination of Services to Displaced Persons in Thailand
ACTED is a member of The Committee for Coordination of Services to Displaced Persons in Thailand (CCSDPT), formed in 1975 as a communications network for non-governmental organizations.
The committee meet on a regular basis to exchange information and to discuss their work. CCSDPT coordinated their efforts and assisted in representing the membership’s interests to the Royal Thai Government, international organizations and embassies.
Know more