The Population and Community Development Association (PDA) 8 Sukhumvit Soi 12, Bangkok, 10110, THAILAND Telephone 66 2 229 4611, Fax 66 2 229 4632 Cable: COMBAT BANGKOK, Telex 82603 PDA TH

Chairman: Mechai Viravaidya

Founded in 1974 the Population and Community Development Association is one of Thailand's most well established and diverse non-government organisations. Operating from Bangkok, 12 regional development centres and and branch offices and 3 sub-centres in rural Thailand, PDA's programs are based on the belief that local people are best suited to shape and sustain their own development. PDA has pioneered grassroots growth marked by extensive villager involvement not only as beneficiaries but also as planners, managers and leaders.

With over 24 years experience PDA looks forward with renewed commitment to respond to current social and economic dilemmas with the innovation and ingenuity that have marked its achievements through the years.

PDA was first active in promoting family planning in urban and rural areas of Thailand, where knowledge of and access to such services were scarce. PDA recruited and trained respected members of local urban and rural neighbourhoods to distribute and provide information on affordable contraceptives directly to their communities. Other campaigns were tailored to the health of specific target groups such as factory workers, hill tribe villagers and adolescents.

In total 12,000 volunteers plus several mobile health units distributed contraceptives to over 10,000 villages. Today PDA programs cover over one third of the country, helping to lower the national population growth rate from 3.2% in 1970 to 1.2% in 1994, quite an achievement.

PDA programs now encompass integrated rural development, water resource development, local institution building, medical and health services, population control and AIDS care activities, income generation and occupational training, and forestry and environmental conservation. This Web site attempts to illustrate many of the activities but will always be incomplete as the number and variety of projects is continually changing to meet the needs of rural Thailand.

The development of a nation can be achieved only when the quality of life for all Thai people is improved to a satisfactory standard. PDA is not the sole contributor but believes that the community as a whole - in all sectors of society; private, public and non-profit can join together in a new civil society movement. Today the Population and Community Development Association is proud to have contributed to improving the standard and quality of life in Thailand; however we endeavour to continue our struggle in the rural areas where the government's efforts require our support in the betterment of the country, both at the local and national levels. Follow this link for a more detailed account of the activities of PDA over the last 25 years.

Navigation Page

Next Category

This page forms part of the Home Pages of the Population and Community Development Association (PDA) Thailand. The site has been created by Cliff Ogleby with the assistance of many of the PDA staff and volunteers.