Catalyst in Thailand
15 June - 1 July 2007
Click here for the Catalyst in Thailand blog
Jessica Shortall, CEO of Catalyst Strategy Advisors, spent two weeks in Thailand in June 2007, travelling the country with PDA, a well-known Thai social enterprise with projects ranging from HIV and rural health to economic development, all financially supported by their famous Cabbages & Condoms resorts and restaurants.
Jessica made the trip as one of the first Population Development International fellows, whose task it is to learn about PDA's work and share that knowledge in their own communities and with others working in social enterprise. She travelled with another fellow, Freya Spielberg, who is working developing a social enterprise model for rural health, as well as exploring rapid oral field testing for HIV. Jessica kept a blog about the trip.
PDA (Population and Community Development Association) operates a wide variety of programs designed to serve and assist the rural poor of Thailand. These programs cover such diverse activities as free vasectomies, HIV prevention schemes income generation programs at village level, forest replanting schemes, vegetable banks, industry relocation into rural areas, mobile health clinics, environmental education programs, and a democracy project.
PDA was founded in 1974 by Mechai Viravaidya, in order to address the problem of overpopulation in Thailand. PDA’s unique, culture-based approach to the problem – demystifying sex and prevention through humour and education, for example – left it well poised to address the HIV epidemic when it hit Thailand in full force. Khun Mecha, or 'Mr Condom' as he is popularly known, took the view that sex is natural and should be talked about in the open, and this must underpin any efforts to combat the spread of HIV. One of his many initiatives showcasing his trademark style is a programme called "Cops & Rubbers" in which traffic police in Bangkok's crowded streets hand out condoms to drivers and passers-by.
Jessica met khun Mechai and his deputy khun Tanatat at the 2007 Skoll World Forum on Social Entrepreneurship, and became fascinated by PDA’s approach and the difficult question of how to encapsulate and 'export' its successful models.
The map and table on this page illustrate Jessica's route on her journey.
Itinerary corresponding to map (follow links for photos and information):
1. Bangkok: 16 - 18 June
Meet with Khun Mechai and PDA senior team
18 June sleep in Sap Tai, PDA social enterprise resort
2. Jakkarat: 19 June
Visit Positive Partnership Project (micro-loans to pairs of entrepreneurs, one HIV+, one HIV-)
Visit pottery village; sleep in Nang Rong at PDA social enterprise resort
3. Lamplaimat Pattana School: 20 June
4. Bangkok: 21-22 June
Meet with reps from OraSure (field HIV testing from saliva)
Discuss Positive Partnership Project with PDA team
5. Pattaya: 23-24 June
Weekend & some meetings at Birds & Bees Resort (another PDA social enterprise resort)
6. Nang Rong: 25 June
Visit village factory co-op, women's silk weaving group, Positive Partnership activities
7. Lamplaimat: 26 - 27 June
Visit Village Development Partnership
Visit Mr Sombat's integrated farm
Village piped water system/vegetable bank
Tour Phanom Rung (Khmer ruins)
8. Bangkok: 28 - 30 June
Wrap-up with PDA and Khun Mechai
Explore Bangkok