Our History

Since 1974, Heifer Project International Thailand (HPT) has been working to end hunger and poverty in Thailand through the gift of livestock and training.  To date, it has assisted over 27,000 families in more than 2000 villages in Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, to become self-reliant.  Families have been "passing on the gifts" through sharing of offspring or repaying a loan, which is then given to other needy families. Heifer Thailand has collaborated with a number of local, national and international organizations to implement its projects.  HPT has coordinated with governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, Universities, community based organization and village administrative bodies.
Heifer Thailand has numerous successful cattle, water buffalo, fish, goat, sheep, honeybee, swine, poultry, elephant and animal-based environmental projects.  In 1993 it was honored with the Princess Prem Award for its outstanding accomplishments in rural development by the Princess Prem Memorial Foundation.  Heifer Thailand partnered with Quaker Service and the Department of Livestock and Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agricultural and Forestry, in providing livestock, animal healthcare and general veterinary services in Laos. Then in 1998, an Integrated Rural Development Project started in the Union of Myanmar.

In 2000, HPT initiated a new approach called Village Extension Workers (VEW) in order to strengthen our work in the field and closely provide backstopping services to all project participants.  During this time, HPT served dual roles of direct implementer and funding agency.

In 2002, the number of staff increased to 12 regular staff and 8 VEWs.  The area of focus moved to holistic development from solely focusing on livestock.  Environment, health (HIV and Leprosy projects), sanitation issues also became part of HPT’s work.

In March 2003, Heifer Thailand presented high-quality breeding animals to the King of Thailand who graciously assigned HRH Crown Prince Maha Vachiralongkorn to be his representative to receive the gifts of 120 rabbits, 50 dairy goats, and 34 Mei Shan pigs which were passed on from Heifer China to Heifer Thailand.    

In 2004, Heifer Thailand celebrated its long history of operation in Thailand with “Three Decades of Special Deeds Meeting Special Needs”. The 30th anniversary celebration and inauguration of a new office were presided over by Prince Bhisadej Rajni, Chairman of the Royal Project Foundation. On this occasion, improved-breed animals received from Heifer China were, in turn, passed-on to Heifer Viet Nam, in a “Cross-border Passing on the Gift” to extend gifts beyond national borders.

In 2005, the Triadic Model was introduced in Heifer Thailand program.  Since then, HPT moved away from direct implementation and the VEW approach to implementation through project partner organizations.

After the Tsunami disaster in late 2006, Heifer Thailand initiated a Tsunami Rehabilitation Project.  2006 also brought two major external evaluations supported by HPI HQ: the Impact Evaluation conducted by Michigan University and the Umbrella Project Evaluation by an external consultant.  The capacity building fund was also implemented.

2007 was a time of change and growth for Heifer Thailand.  Values-based Holistic Community Development (VBHCD) approach was adopted in all projects.  Also, the first Investment Plan was introduced and the Strategic Plan for FY04-09 was reviewed.  The Northeast regional office was established in addition to the Chiang Mai office to serve more needy families. To make the structure more effective, HPI created new work flow and job responsibilities matrix.  The positions for Senior Program Manager (Field & Support) were introduced along with the concept of shared leadership.  Moreover, the local foundation of HPT named Gifts for Life (GLF) was founded and in 2008, Heifer Thailand received its official office registration.

At present, HPT has a strong team with experience in VBHCD approach and a new leadership. 

Mission Statement
Heifer Project International (Thailand) in partnership with registered and credible project partners implement the projects by building capacity of project partner and Heifer Thailand staff in accountability, leadership development, and specialized in project related areas.   Furthermore, all project partners have values-based Strategic Plan and regular Participatory Self Review and Planning (PSRP).

Vision Statement
Empowered communities living in harmony and equitably sharing prosperity of healthy environment
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Key Priorities Areas of Heifer Thailand’s Strategic Plan
Considering its internal analysis and opportunities the following five key issues have been identified to achieve Heifer Thailand’s vision and maximize its mission impact.

1. Strengthening VBHCD Program.
2. Program and Operational Accountability.
3. Communication and Networking.
4. Resource Development and Diversification.
5. High Performance Team.