CHIANG MAI PROVINCE, Thailand –
Members of the U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific Civil Affairs Team-Thailand donated utility equipment, medical supplies, and education materials to three schools and two immigration facilities in the Chiang Mai Province Nov. 29 – Dec. 1.
The Chiang Khong and Mae Sai Department of Disease Control received medical supplies to help bolster their ability to provide timely life-saving treatments and first aid. The DCC regularly addresses a variety of medical issues, including common colds, COVID-19, trauma and emergency situations necessitating responder care.
“We are proud to partner with civil society organizations where we can amplify our collaborative efforts and support communities in need,” said U.S. Army Capt. Mark Curran, Civil Affairs Team-Thailand leader.
Wat Suan Dok School, Wat Ketkarm School, and Ban Na Ma-Un School received computers to support the Ministry of Education’s initiative to enhance distance learning in school. Students will have access to online English language courses including the Distance Learning Via Satellite program, which was championed by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
“We take pride in having the opportunity to make a positive difference for elementary school children by supplying classrooms with educational aids or purification equipment for clean drinking water,” said Curran.
In the remote mountainous region of Chiang Mai, the Ban Na Ma-Un School has an inconsistent power supply that disrupts the school’s ability to provide education through modern means. The donation of solar-powered water pumps and solar-powered rechargeable battery packs meets the Ministry of Education’s initiative to improve the school’s infrastructure ensuring a consistent and reliable power supply.
“Thank you for focusing on our children and youth,” said Mrs. Hathairat Chansri, deputy director of Chiang Mai Primary Educational Service Area Office 1. “The media, materials, and educational equipment provided opens them up to the world of learning.”