“Strengthening Civil Society Coordination and Collaboration in Chiang Rai”
A case study by World Vision Thailand

The case study “Strengthening Civil Society Coordination and Collaboration in Chiang Rai” was developed by World Vision Thailand in partnership with the Committee for the Coordination of CSOs for the Protection of Children, Women and Counter Trafficking in Persons in Chiang Rai Province (CCT), which share a common goal in protecting children and women and combating human trafficking.

The CCT was formed as a coalition of civil society organisations in Chiang Rai to strengthen their advocacy efforts and influence policy changes and recommendations aimed at improving the prevention, protection, and assistance of victims. It has been a critical mechanism in fighting against human trafficking in Chiang Rai since 2018.

This case study delves into the background, objectives, methodologies, challenges, and recommendations for enhancing collaboration and coordination among civil society organisations in Chiang Rai province. The focus is on organising activities to foster collaboration between civil society organisations and government agencies in the prevention, identification, and effective assistance to victims. Here are some key recommendations to drive the network’s efforts.

• Develop a systematic internal operating mechanism to effectively support the activities of member organisations.
• Establish a shared database to facilitate knowledge and information sharing among member organisations.
• Formalise the structure by registering as a legal association to enhance the capacity to engage with external organisations.

Combating trafficking requires the collective efforts of the government, the private sector, civil society, and the general public to achieve the four key strategies outlined in the Anti-Human Trafficking Act BE 2551 (2008) and its amendments. The areas of focus include prosecution and law enforcement, prevention, assistance and protection of victims, and management of a human trafficking database. This case study can serve as a reference for government agencies, non-government organisations, the civil society sector, and the general public in their efforts to protect children and women and fight against trafficking in persons.