PPAT’s representatives, led by Miss Kornrawee Sanduang, Project Manager, and Mr. Pongsakorn Saokhiao, Project Officer, will use the identified challenges, especially concerning Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), as crucial data for planning and organizing activities. This work falls under the project “Essential Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Response for Conflict-Affected Communities along the Thai-Myanmar Border,” which is supported by the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), to ensure it aligns with the needs and context of the area.

The Planned Parenthood Association of Thailand thanks IHRI for their warm welcome and sharing valuable knowledge, which will be highly beneficial for the optimal development and extension of services.

This meeting was an important platform for exchanging information and coordinating among relevant agencies to ensure effective assistance for the displaced persons amidst a changing global situation. PPAT has been operating in the area for a long time and is one of only two Thai NGOs working on the quality of life for displaced persons in the region. PPAT is committed to using its experience and expertise to drive this mission with maximum efficiency, based on the principles of human rights and reproductive health rights, without discrimination based on nationality.

Planned Parenthood Association of Thailand #PPAT #WorkForSociety

This meeting marks a crucial step in fostering collaboration between government agencies and civil society organizations to substantially improve sexual and reproductive healthcare for communities in the border area.

The event was held under the concept of “Youth for a Better Future,” with the aim of celebrating the voice and dreams of young people ready to lead towards a brighter future. Mr. Chuchip Phongchai, the Governor of Tak Province, presided over the opening ceremony. The event saw the lively participation of over 500 students and teachers from 17 learning centers for migrant children.

The event featured: Beautiful traditional dances from Mon, Karen, Myanmar, and Thai ethnic groups. An inspirational performance by youth titled “ROY Unity.” The presentation of awards to outstanding youth leaders and winners of various competitions, such as the English speech contest and a recycled material fashion show.

Attendees also took part in many interesting activities, including a panel discussion on the topic “Dreams and Challenges of Migrant Youth,” creative exhibition booths, and the recycled fashion show. Twelve partner organizations, including PPAT, set up booths to provide educational information on academics, social issues, digital media, and health, making the event rich in knowledge and memorable experiences.

The 9th National Youth Day was organized by the Refugee Assistance Foundation’s Rays of Youth (ROY) Project, with PPAT Mae Sot being one of the contributing agencies creating positive activities for the youth.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Nanthakan Sungsuman Woodham, Executive Director, along with staff from PPAT and representatives from the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). Representatives from government agencies, such as Mae Sot Hospital and local community hospitals, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), including the Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU) and Mae Tao Clinic, were also present for the discussion.

The discussion focused on addressing critical issues faced by the displaced population, particularly the difficulty in accessing semi-permanent contraception due to a lack of comprehensive healthcare systems. This results in many facing unintended pregnancies and an inability to safely terminate pregnancies, forcing them to carry pregnancies and give birth under unprepared circumstances. This also includes at-risk groups, such as students or women with underlying health conditions, for whom pregnancy can be dangerous.

This collaboration aims to fill the gap in health service access to achieve health equity. The focus is on ensuring these women receive standard services, including counseling, access to voluntary contraception, safe abortion, and antenatal and delivery care, especially for those with complications. PPAT and its network are fully committed to ensuring the safety of mothers and children. To support this operation, PPAT donated contraceptive and healthcare supplies to the Mae Tao Clinic and Mae Sot Hospital.

PPAT believes that equitable access to healthcare is a fundamental right for all women, especially the right to good health and the ability to have children when ready, ensuring both mother and child have good physical and mental quality of life.

Thank you to @Border Doctor Stories

This workshop is considered a crucial part of developing and driving the project to achieve its goal of reducing the spread of HIV among young people and genuinely building correct knowledge and understanding of disease prevention in educational institutions.

Miss Saitong Doloh, Project Manager, stated, “This donation of medical supplies is a collaboration between PPAT Pattani and Pattani Provincial Prison. We believe that access to basic medical treatment is a human right that everyone should receive, and we hope that our support will help inmates achieve better physical and mental health, which will lead to successful reintegration and quality return to society.”

This support demonstrates PPAT’s concern and role in contributing to social development. The Planned Parenthood Association of Thailand extends its gratitude to Bayer Thai Co., Ltd. for the generous donation of the medication.

The purpose of this support is to encourage youth, especially those from ethnic groups in remote areas, to access accurate and essential information about sexual and reproductive health and rights. This is part of empowering youth to take care of themselves and become leaders in raising appropriate awareness within their own communities.