South Korean Government Provides $120,000 in Food and Fuel Assistance for Border Temporary Shelters in Thailand
TAK, Thailand — The Government of the Republic of Korea reaffirmed the enduring friendship between Korea and Thailand through a donation of food and charcoal assistance to Myanmar displaced persons across five temporary shelters in Tak, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi provinces.
The official donation ceremony took place on August 26, 2026, at the Mae La temporary shelter. The event was organized by The Border Consortium (TBC), the civil society organization implementing the project, with key representatives from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Thai Ministry of Interior (MOI), and the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) in attendance.
Valued at $120,000, the donation was provided under project “Food Security Support for Myanmar Displaced People in the Thai-Myanmar Border” in close collaboration with TBC. The initiative aims to address a critical surge in local needs at a time when global humanitarian funding has faced drastic cuts.
The donation package includes more than 15 types of food items carefully selected to meet daily nutritional requirements, benefiting approximately 4,962 individuals in need, particularly women and children, across the Mae La, Umpiem Mai, Nu Po, Ban Don Yang, and Tham Hin shelters. Additionally, roughly 20 kilograms of charcoal cooking fuel per household was distributed across three shelters in Tak province to help offset rising living costs driven by regional geopolitical and economic pressures.
"Today’s gathering is not merely about providing food and fuel; it is a reaffirmation of our shared humanity and our commitment to ensuring no one in remote areas is left behind," said H.E. Mr. Park Yongmin, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Thailand. "At the heart of our partnership is a firm belief that every person—regardless of their background, status, or nationality—deserves to live with dignity, security, and hope."
The event brought together officials from both countries, local authorities, and community leaders to demonstrate solidarity and reinforce a long-standing partnership. Korea and Thailand have consistently collaborated on humanitarian efforts in recent years. Especially following the official re-opening of the KOICA office in 2023, the Embassy and KOICA have expanded targeted support for Thai communities, including $500,000 in flood relief for Songkhla province in 2025.
During the event, Ambassador Park reiterated the Republic of Korea’s continued commitment to strengthen partnership with Thailand to foster a more inclusive future.
