Central joins hands with UNHCR to help refugees in Thailand

12 June 09-Bangkok : Central Pattana (CPN), the leading developer, manager and investor of retail and commercial properties in Thailand takes a huge step in extending their giving back to society to the refugees.  CPN has announced the partnerships with the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, by offering free space for the UNHCR’s booths to run its face to face fundraising program in 9 Central Plaza outlets without any expense for 2 years.

“We have various types of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) program ranging from education, women empowerment, children welfare, etc. Usually they focus on the Thai people who are fighting to get out of poverty and to have a better life.  We are still doing those projects.  However, we don’t live in isolation any more.  There’s a group of people from our neighbour country who need to flee from their homes and come to Thailand because our country can save their lives.  As a Thai people we should be grateful for what we have and extend our help to people who don’t belong to our country, the refugees”. Mr. Kobchai Chirathivat, Director, President & Chief Executive Officer, Central Pattana PCL stated.

There are more than 112,000 refugees living in nine camps run by the government in Thailand, with all food and services supplied by international organizations.  UNHCR, which began working in Thailand in 1975, provides vital international protection for refugees fleeing war or persecution. What is not widely known is that UNHCR must raise 95 percent of its budget from donors – both governments and individuals – every year. Last year UNHCR has started a new initiative to give Thai people the opportunity to help  refugees in their own country. 

“Many Thai people do not even realize there are genuine refugees in this country,” said Ms.Kitty McKinsey, Spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). “Unlike economic migrants, refugees do not choose to leave their country. They flee because their lives are in danger or their human rights are not being respected. We find that when our fundraisers explain this to Thai people, they react with a great deal of sympathy.”

Every year, the UN celebrates World Refugee Day. In more than 100 countries, UNHCR and refugees themselves celebrate the dignity and courage of refugees. In Thailand, CPN plans to show a public service announcement featuring UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, Angelina Jolie on video walls at the nine  Central Plaza outlets from 15-30 June 2009.

“Refugees need help from many nations, many organizations, many individuals, to ensure their rights are respected and their basic needs are met. Having such an important corporation as  CPN on board with UNHCR is a huge step for us in fulfilling our mission more effectively”.  Ms.Kitty McKinsey concluded.

Note to editor

CPN today owns and manages 10 premium shopping centers, five office buildings and two residential condominiums with total gross floor area of over 1.5 million sqm.

any more information about CPN’s CSR programme?

UNHCR began work around the world in 1950 As of today it has helped more than 50 million people restart their lives

UNHCR in Thailand focus on helping refugees on;
Protection : Ensure their rights, safety and security
Livelihoods : Vocational training
Education : Libraries, Thai and English language classes

Since 2005,  UNHCR in Thailand has resettled 40,000 refugees from Myarnmar to have a new home in countries like the United States, Australia, Canada, Great Britain.