Our History

Since 1974, Heifer International Thailand has been working to end hunger and poverty in Thailand through the gift of livestock and training.  To date, Heifer Thailand has assisted over 20,000 families in more than 1,600 villages in 3 countries; Thailand, Myanmar and Lao PDR, to become self-reliant.  Families have been "Passing on the Gifts" through sharing an offspring of an animal or repay a loan, which is then given to other needy families.

Heifer Thailand has collaborated with a number of local, national and international organizations to distribute animals and various series of trainings.  Its counterparts include governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs); Livestock Development Department, Social Development and Human Security Department, Provincial and District Offices, Universities, Royal Project Foundation, project partners, grassroots’ groups and village administrative bodies in northern Thai provinces.  Moreover, currently it has programs in eight official leprosy colonies throughout Thailand  such as provinces of Sakol- nakorn, Amnart Chareon, Surin, Khon Kaen, Roi-Et, Chantaburi, Chiang Rai, and Nan.

Heifer Thailand has hundreds of successful cattle, water buffalo, fish, goat, sheep, honeybee, swine, poultry, elephant and animal-based environmental projects.  In 1993 it was acknowledged by Princess Prem Memorial Foundation and honored with Princess Prem Award for its outstanding accomplishments in rural development organization in Thailand. The Ministry of Interior made the nomination.

In 1996 Heifer Thailand partnered with Quaker Service in Lao PDR and the Department of Livestock and Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agricultural and Forestry, in providing livestock, the animal healthcare and general veterinary services. Then in 1998, an Integrated Rural Development Project started in the Union of Myanmar.

In March 2003, Heifer Thailand presented good 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.          

The year 2004 has been a remarkable milestone in the course of activities. “Three Decades of Special Deeds Meeting Special Needs” has marked the long history of Heifer International’s operations in Thailand. The thirtieth anniversary celebration and the inauguration of new office were presided over by Prince Bhisadej Rajni, Chairman of the Royal Project Foundation. On this occasion, well-bred animals received from Heifer China had been passed-on to Heifer Viet Nam, which we called “Cross-border Passing on the Gift” approach, in order to end the hunger and poverty.

Mission Statement of Heifer Thailand

Heifer International Thailand in partnership with registered and credible project partners implements the projects by building capacity of project partner and Heifer Thailand staffs in accountability, leadership development, and specialized in project related areas.  Besides, all project partners have value-based Strategic Plan and regular Project Self Review and Planning (PSRP).

Vision statement of Heifer Thailand (2005-2009)

Heifer International Thailand in partnership with qualified project partners empowers families in poor communities to achieve self-reliance and sustainability through Values-Based Holistic Community Development Approach.

Key Issues Prioritized

The Heifer Thailand team identified the following key strategic issues necessary for Heifer to be able to end hunger and poverty for 10,000 families in Thailand, Lao PDR, and Myanmar and empowers them to achieve self-reliance and sustainability through Values-based Holistic Community Development Approach

• Increased Capacity of HPI/TH Program
• Increased Level of Accountability
• Improved Communication and Networking
• Values-Based Holistic Community Development Approach
• Program Growth
• Shared Leadership Model
• Gender Equity