ince 1962, Peace Corps Volunteers have been serving in Thailand in a variety of capacities and numbers. In the second half of 1997, Thailand's economy collapsed after a period of quick decline. The impact was extensive at the national level as well as on the quality of life for the rural population. Thailand has begun to make a significant economic recovery thanks to a number of government reform initiatives. The need for the Peace Corps to continue its service in Thailand is more apparent than at any time in recent years due to the important contribution Peace Corps Volunteers are making to the Royal Thai Government's educational and economic reform initiatives.

Education

Education Volunteers work in rural villages and towns across Thailand and collaborate closely with Thai educators in the primary English classroom to introduce, model, and share innovative new teaching approaches. Together, they integrate various topics into their English lessons to provide dynamic and valuable learning activities for students. Volunteers and their Thai partners also engage in community outreach and development activities that address local priorities and needs, utilizing existing community assets. Examples include: HIV/AIDS awareness education, environmental camps, life skills camps, library development, small-scale handicraft projects, and agricultural and gardening activities.

Business Development

In late 2003, a new project in organizational development was established. Under this project, Volunteers and their Thai partners promote and encourage sustainable rural development in Thai communities in one or more of six development areas: infrastructure; health promotion; enterprise development; tourism and the economy; protection and conservation of natural resources and the environment; and security, local wisdom, and culture. Volunteers collaborate with colleagues at subdistrict governmental offices and with various village groups (women, youth, farmers, etc.) to share and transfer skills in participatory project design and management, marketing, basic business English, computer instruction, agriculture, HIV/AIDS prevention, the environment, and other areas.