Thailand

The kingdom of Thailand (Prathet Thai) is located in Southeast Asia on the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Thailand means “land of the free” Its well known capital, Bangkok, is home to many of the 56 million population.

A large group of Thais are tribal people whose descendants immigrated from the neighboring countries of Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar (formerly Burma), Vietnam and India. They live in the north and west areas of Thailand.

Each group can be distinguished by different languages, traditions and dress. It is a tribal custom in the North to bury children alive when their mother dies in childbirth. These children are thought to bring bad luck to the community and family. ICC works to rescue these children from being buried alive.

The disparity between the “haves” and the “have-nots” is readily apparent. While the rich live in luxurious villas adorned with dense greenery, the poor survive from one day to the next in run-down shanties built over the black, stagnant water of the canals. Many children die every year from illnesses caused by drinking contaminated water.

Kirsten Jade Rescue Centre

Sawadee means welcome in Thai, and at the Kirsten Jade Rescue Centre (KJRC) that’s what you receive. Devoted staff have made KJRC a place of peace and healing for the many children in their care. The children learn many traditional skills and vocations as a part of the ICC comprehensive learning program and also to equip them for employment in adulthood. The children attend the nearby Christian Academy for both primary and secondary education.

ICC also runs child rescue centres in three other locations across Thailand, including homes for destitute children in two refugee camps along the Thai - Myanmar border, as well as a safe house for girls at risk of being sold and trafficked for prostitution. Your support ensures the safety of abandoned and orphaned children.

Danny's Story

At the age of eight Danny (not real name) was left as the sole carer for his one year old baby brother and his three year old sister. His father had been killed by a wild elephant while trying to earn an income for his family as a timber worker. His mother disappeared into the jungle a short time later.

For almost two years Danny courageously provided for his siblings by toiling under heavy loads up and down the steep mountains in return for food. It was a miracle how the children survived on one small meal a day. An ICC Supporting Medical Intervention assisted at a time when these little ones were desperately ill and needed urgent medical attention, a safe home and food security.