NATIONAL CATHOLIC COMMISSION ON MIGRATION (NCCM) / CARITAS THAILAND

CARITAS THAILAND

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand is the governing body of the Thai Catholic Church. The General Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand is the highest policy-making body and is currently composed of ten bishops.  The General Assembly meets once every year.

Episcopal Social Commission (ESC) or CARITAS THAILAND is the coordinating organization on social work of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand. The National Catholic Commission on Migration (NCCM) is one of the many desks of the Catholic Commission for Social-Pastoral Ministries.

NATIONAL CATHOLIC COMMISSION ON MIGRATION (NCCM)

History of NCCM

The National Catholic Commission on Migration (NCCM) was set up in 1987 to service the pastoral needs of the growing number of migrants in Thailand.  The Commission’s first target group, in 1987 was migrants already living in Thailand who were mostly rural youth leaving their farming villages to seek jobs in urban, industrial zones.  Pastoral assistance was mainly provided through the provision of food, shelter and assistance in job placements.  This expanded in time to include the special needs of women and children, especially those living with HIV/AIDS.  Over the next decade, these categories of migrants were the main target groups. In 1997, the NCCM expanded its program to include assistance to:

1. migrants who entered Thailand from the troubled neighbouring countries of Burma, Cambodia and Laos;
2. Thai migrant workers and migrants seeking repatriation to other developed countries;
3. prisoners, seafarers, sex workers and the disadvantaged youth; and
4. asylum seekers.

Vision of NCCM

In 2015, NCCM will be recognized nationally and internationally as Thailand’s most respected and effective organization that assists poor and vulnerable migrants.

Mission of NCCM

By assisting poor and vulnerable migrants with human rights, education and health, we empower people to improve their quality of life and sustainable economic status.

NCCM’s Outcomes

In 2006 the NCCM’s activities have been classified under the following six outcomes:

1. Health and Wellbeing;
2. Education:
3. Workforce;
4. Community Participation;
5. Prisoner Wellbeing; and
6. Cooperation in the Development of Government Policy.

Objectives of NCCM

1. To increase awareness on human trafficking, health and HIV/AIDS.
2. To advocate with government, health care providers and local agencies
3. To disseminate information to migrants and their communities so as to create a greater awareness of the issues around HIV and anti human trafficking. 
4. To visit and assist prisoners
5. Through Education Programs reduce the vulnerability of the Migrant population

Target Groups

The most vulnerable target groups are the migrant workers in construction sites, factories and other industries, as well as fisher folk, restaurant and karaoke workers, motor bike and taxi drivers and students from schools and colleges, prisoners, boat workers. The geographical areas are the following seven provinces - Udon Thani, Nongkhai, Loei, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Siricha, Songkla, Phuket and Satun.