USAID and Australia Strengthen Economic Resilience of Communities and Small Businesses to Mitigate Negative Impacts of Infrastructure Development
The Thai government aspires to develop world-class transport infrastructure, including the Thai-financed high-speed rail between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima. Developing high-quality infrastructure requires strong community engagement to mitigate negative impacts on households living in its path. Communities and small businesses along the high-speed rail path face negative impacts on their livelihoods from its development, such as displacement and business disruptions. However, research indicates that developers and authorities often do not consult communities about these impacts. To meet this challenge, USAID and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are collaborating with local authorities and civil society organizations in Thailand to strengthen community resilience through research and capacity building. Last week, the USAID and Australia Mekong Safeguards Program held a capacity-building event in Ayutthaya to strengthen the economic resilience of communities and women-owned micro businesses affected by the development of the high-speed rail passing through their town.
This collaboration between Australia and the U.S. has the potential to benefit more than 200 households, 500 microbusinesses, and 50 small businesses at risk of displacement from the high-speed rail development, strengthening the economic resilience of communities and contributing to security throughout the Mekong subregion and the greater Indo-Pacific.
Recent updates
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USAID and Australia Strengthen Economic Resilience of Communities and People with Disabilities to Promote Sustainable Infrastructure Development
March 15, 2024 -
USAID and Australia Empower Communities in Northern Thailand to Mitigate Environmental and Social Impacts of Infrastructure Development
January 15, 2024 -
USAID and Australia Strengthen Environmental and Social Practices of a Major Commercial Bank in Thailand
November 15, 2023 -
USAID and Australia Strengthen Economic Resilience of Communities and Small Businesses to Mitigate Negative Impacts of Infrastructure Development
September 15, 2023