Hill tribes in Ban Hua San often face significant challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. We believe that by working closely with the community and understanding their unique needs, we can help make a positive difference in their lives. Our project aims to address these challenges by raising awareness and promoting sustainable solutions. By working with local organizations and individuals, we hope to build lasting relationships and create a better future for the people of Ban Hua San
Mae Fah Luang Foundation is a non-profit organization established to create positive change in Thailand by transforming it into an inclusive place for all vulnerable groups.
The organization mission aligns with Design for Thailand's goal of providing hands-on learning experiences to aspiring social innovators applying design thinking to tackle socially impactful issues.
<aside> 🌾 An additional goal of MFL is to reduce drug trafficking through our economically-vulnerable areas in northern Thailand. The organization is currently operating in 5 areas, 4 domestic and 1 international.
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The "RoiJaiRak" project, in collaboration with the Mae Fah Luang Foundation, is a pivotal initiative in Mae Ai, Chiang Mai, aimed at improving the economic well-being of vulnerable communities by generating sustainable income opportunities and creating careers for the local community. By adhering to the principle of "Providing Opportunities," the project aims to steer individuals away from the drug business and toward a brighter future. This 11-year-long project demonstrates a strong commitment to the social development of more than 1,000 households that used to engage in illegal activities of drug trafficking.
<aside> 🌻 https://www.maefahluang.org/domestic-program-01/
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To achieve these goals, RoiJaiRak invests in the infrastructure of กาดหลวงและสวนร้อยใจรักษ์, a place that holds immense potential as a major tourist attraction in the area. This investment transforms กาดหลวง into a thriving employment hub, facilitating the sale of products produced by the community itself. The project also envisions the development of homestays within the community, focusing on enhancing supply and content to showcase the rich culture and way of life to tourists.
However, the project has faced challenges in generating sufficient revenue to cover the initial costs, and the number of tourists visiting the area has been below expectations. Recognizing the need for innovative solutions, the project seeks the expertise of Design for Thailand to help find effective strategies to enhance revenue generation and attract more visitors. The collaboration between RoiJaiRak Project and D4T aims to address these obstacles and create a sustainable and thriving future for the community.
<aside> 🌞 24th - 28th June 2022 (1st Trip to RoiJaiRak )
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During our initial exploration in RoiJaiRak, we visited to gain deeper insights for the ideation phase of our project. We have subsequently published a series of photo essays addressing three distinct challenges faced by the community: limited educational opportunities, the downward pressure on prices of agricultural products, and the unsustainable income sources within the handicraft community.
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