Area:  11,678 sq. km
Population: 1,200,000
Targeted areas: 97 villages, 10 sub-districts, 3 districts
Sponsored children: 5,000

Located in the north of Thailand, Plan’s Chiang Rai Programme Unit is bordered by Laos to the east and Myanmar to the north.

Plan works in 3 areas here: Chiangsean, Maechang and Maefaluang districts. The climate is generally hot and humid and the flat landscape is surrounded by mountains.

Programme highlights

Promoting child rights

In Chiang Rai, Plan Thailand is raising people’s awareness of issues that affect children’s lives. We are providing youth with opportunities to participate in activities that teach them how to access and protect their rights from exploitation. The establishment of youth forums is encouraging them to raise their voices on social issues.

“The programme opened up an opportunity for us to discuss issues that continuously shape our behaviour and this will affect our lives in a good way,” said Patacharee, age 14.

HIV and AIDS support

The HIV and AIDS programme focuses on 2 areas:  strengthening the local health system to reach the most at-risk populations, such as hill tribes and children affected by HIV and AIDS, and  providing knowledge to students on HIV and AIDS prevention. 

In the north, Plan works with Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital to develop comprehensive treatment strategies in partnership with 16 community hospitals to mainstream access to antiretroviral treatment to ethnic hill tribes. Networks of people living with HIV also work with core youth groups to reach students with HIV and AIDS knowledge and prevention.

Training and workshops are held for people living with HIV and AIDS. Home visits by group leaders and counsellors, and vocational training are helping group members.

“I’m glad to have joined this family camp because I could meet with people,” said 10-year-old Tanyalak. “My parents have passed away but at least I have relatives and friends who understand me.”

Plan Thailand has also provided educational funds for 60 children aged 6 to 18 infected or affected by HIV.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Plan is working in Chiang Rai province to provide Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) implementation to 89 TB patients who are hill tribes and migrants in 6 districts: Mae Chan, Mae Sai, Muang, Theng, Chiangkhong, and Phan. Plan is able to reach TB migrant patients for treatment in the northern part of Thailand. 

Birth registration

A 2005 Plan survey of Chiang Rai province revealed that nearly one-quarter of children aged under 18 lack birth certificates.

The lack of birth registration creates a barrier to important social services, such as healthcare and education. Children without legal status are at greater risk of being exploited through trafficking, kidnapping, forced labour or sexual servitude.

Workshops and training sessions showed stateless children how to prepare documents for identification and how to pursue their rights under the Nationality Law.

“Before this I dared not dream that I could be Thai like other children. After attending the legal clinic project’s training, I have hope and information to share with my friends,” said a participant.

Learn about Plan’s Universal Birth Registration campaign
Support Plan’s work: sponsor a child