Preventing risks related to population displacements : defining models of educational action in Thailand

Abstract

This research focuses on the process of group/ community formation and intervention programs to improve life quality, minimize associated social problems, and prevent related risks of the displaced population in Bangkok, Thailand. This research classifies the displaced population aforementioned into two groups: the displaced in congested community, and the homeless. Their common problems are: the lack of evidences of Thai citizenship, unfair treatment, landlessness, insecurity in life, unemployment, insufficient income, inaccess ibility to public services and basic education. With the assistance of NGOs and governmental sectors they can form their groups/ community. Their group/community formation, in turn enables them to voice their needs and problems to concerned parties and to access assistances. Supports from NGOs and governmental sectors enable them to strengthen their communities with community activities and community cooperative for career support, groceries, saving, and saving for landownership. This research chooses Phiman Community and Orn-Nuch 14 Rai Community as the cases study of the displaced living in congested community; and Bangkok-Noi and Talingchan Coordination Centers as cases study of the homeless. The establishment of the 'The Community Organizations Development Institute' (CODI) as a public organization under the supervision of the Minister of Social Development and Human Security paves way to sustainable solutions to almost all of their problems and the improvement of their life quality . The case study of 'The Baan Mankong Collective Housing Program' is the proof of the success.