ATCSW Promotes Collaboration for Community Resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction in Chiang Rai, Thailand

Day：2026.06.04

event ｜

The Project for Human Resource Development on Social Work in ASEAN Region was launched in August 2025. This technical cooperation project is jointly implemented by the ASEAN Training Centre for Social Work and Social Welfare (ATCSW), Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), and JICA.
The project aims to strengthen ATCSW’s capacity as a regional hub for high-quality training while expanding opportunities for practical learning for social workers and the broader social service workforce across the region.

Bringing Diverse Stakeholders Together to Advance Community-Based Disaster Preparedness

On April 16–17, 2026, ATCSW participated in a workshop on “Community Resilience and Disaster Preparedness” held at the Joy Foundation in Thoeng District, Chiang Rai Province, in northern Thailand.
The workshop was hosted by Prof. Tan Ngoh Tiong, Chairman of the Joy Foundation and President of Global Institute of Social Work (GISW), in collaboration with the international NGO Peaceland Foundation and Hong Kong-based NGO Social Workers Across Borders Ltd.
The event brought together 30 participants—including social workers, experts, volunteers, and community members—from China, Singapore, Myanmar, and Thailand, fostering active exchanges that transcended national, regional, and professional boundaries.

Sharing Professional Insights to Strengthen Social Resilience

During the workshop, ATCSW shared expert knowledge on the role of social services in crisis management.
Mr. Chinchai Cheecharoen, Executive Director of ATCSW, provided an overview of the critical roles played by social work and human services across all phases of disaster management—from emergency response to long-term recovery. He emphasized a comprehensive approach to strengthening social resilience, including reinforcing community networks, prioritizing support for vulnerable populations, and enhancing psychosocial preparedness.
Dr. Akiko Yokoyama, a JICA Expert at ATCSW, introduced Japan’s experiences in fostering civil volunteers for disaster risk reduction. Her presentation highlighted how community-led volunteer initiatives have significantly contributed to reducing disaster impacts and accelerating recovery, drawing strong interest from participants.

Deepening Understanding Through Field Visits — From Theory to Practice

In addition to the workshop sessions, participants conducted a field visit to Mae Sai District, located along the Thailand–Myanmar border, which has recently experienced severe flooding. The visit provided valuable insights into the complexities of transboundary disaster response and underscored the importance of coordination among governments and communities across borders.
Participants also visited flood-prone areas in Nong Sombun and Ban Suan villages in Thoeng District, where they observed local support activities and preparedness efforts led by community members.
Furthermore, ATCSW engaged in discussions with the Chiang Rai Provincial Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and the Chiang Rai Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office, focusing on strengthening coordination mechanisms and building integrated response systems during both normal times and emergencies.

Advancing Capacity Development for the Next Generation

The knowledge and practical experiences gained through this workshop are expected to contribute to ATCSW’s future activities, in line with the ASEAN Regional Guidance on the Role of Social Workers and the Wider Social Service Workforce in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Resilience.
Going forward, ATCSW will integrate DRR and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) perspectives into social work and social service curricula, while further strengthening its role as a regional training hub to develop professionals capable of effectively addressing climate-related challenges.
JICA will continue to work in close partnership with ATCSW to promote the development of community-based social welfare professionals across the region.

Meeting at the Chiang Rai Provincial Office of Social Development and Human Security

Disaster preparedness workshop with residents in Thoeng District, Chiang Rai Province