ภาษาไทยPeace Corps resumes work in Thailand after pandemic
Fifty-two American volunteers from the Peace Corps have received a warm welcome after arriving in Thailand to resume the organization’s work in the Kingdom after nearly a three-year pause because of the global pandemic.
“We have been looking forward to this day for a long time,” said Peace Corps Thailand Country Director Sonny Luu. “It has been three years now since we evacuated the last volunteer back in March 2020. The volunteers are excited and enthusiastic. We have been looking forward to working with Thai people again.”
The first group of 52 volunteers have arrived in the Kingdom and will shortly begin working with local communities on projects covering education and youth development. In education, the volunteers will focus on teacher empowerment by working with teachers in local schools on English education, and for youth, they help students gain leadership or other important skills.
“This is what our volunteers are here for. So, we work hand-in-hand with Thai people to further society and their communities,” Sonny said.
He added that the Peace Corps plans to work with the Thai government and people on climate action and health issues. Volunteers were prepared and ready to help with local efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
The Peace Corps has been working in Thailand since 1961 when it was established by President John F. Kennedy as an independent agency to provide development assistance to friendly nations around the world. In that initial year, 900 Americans answered President Kennedy’s call and were sent to 16 countries, including Thailand. Since then, 5,500 Americans have worked in Thailand for the agency.
In total, the Peace Corps has sent over 240,000 American volunteers to 142 countries. The goodwill and practical assistance they delivered has been a part of the U.S.’s soft power.
Photo courtesy of https://th.usembassy.gov/peace-corps-thailand/