Summary
During Phase 3 of the Covid-19 pandemic the Thai government enforced regulations and measures including lockdowns and the establishment of check points to control the spread of the disease.
A survey by our partner FCHG, revealed the following problems common to many of the people affected:
– Their employers cannot sell their products, or products are sold at a very low price, resulting in unpaid or indefinitely deferred wages.
– Most families of 6-8 people only have 1-2 members that have any kind of employment.
– For many of them, there is only 4-5 days work per month.
– Local outbreaks of Covid-19 and subsequent establishment of checkpoints make it impossible to travel elsewhere to find work.
– They have no support from government agencies, and no other organisation to support them.
Background
The Fortune Community Health Group (FCHG) is a grassroots organisation in Northern Thailand. Its mission is to address the health and human rights needs of the Shan migrants (many undocumented) who live and work in migrant camps on agricultural farms in Fang district.
FCHG strives to improve the quality of life and opportunities for these Shan migrant workers and to help the community help itself. One of FCHG’s greatest assets is that it is created, developed and staffed by members of the migrant community it serves.
During Phase 3 of the Covid-19 pandemic, migrant workers in three districts (Fang, Mae Ai, and Chai Prakan) were unable to provide enough food for their families. PCF and our implementing partner the Fortune Community Health Group (FCHG) have identified 32 areas in these districts that need the most help.
Goals and Results
Between 19 July 2021 to 2 August 2021 the FCHG team distributed food supply packages to migrant worker families in the targeted 32 areas in the 3 districts.
Although FCHG initially requested a budget to support 1.000 families, they actually distributed food packages to 1.020 families. Of the additional 20 families, 15 were either not at home during the survey or had moved into the area after the survey took place. As these additional families were in great need, FCHG divided the food equally amongst all the 1.015 families. These 15 families were in Ban Mueang Rae and Pang Khwai village.
FCHG were able to obtain a discount on the food purchases which was spent on purchasing 5 additional sets of food supplies for 5 people with disabilities.
The FCGH team would like to pass on the “gladness, delight and gratefulness” from the families to our sponsors for all their support.
The food supplies consisted of;
• 1.020 bags of rice (15 kg/bag)
• 4.028 bottles of cooking oil
• 1.020 cans of dried beans
