Nong Khai is located on the Laotian border at the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge that spans the Maekhong River. Our Welcome House was originally established with an exclusive focus on women.

The changing realities of the AIDS situation in Thailand brought a broadening of its focus. As the numbers of people with AIDS in villages has increased, added emphasis has been placed on educating the wider population for its prevention and for the acceptance and respect for AIDS symptomatic villagers.

Nong Khai is a poor area. Generally, most post-adolescent young have left the villages for urban jobs. So targeting the "sending populations" remains crucial in the overall AIDS effort here. People return to these villages during rice planting and harvesting times and on holidays. It is to these villages that migrants with AIDS return to be accepted and cared for, or rejected, depending on the attitude of the villagers. Early intervention regarding attitudes towards women, sexuality, sexual behavior and attitudes about people with AIDS is an important focus of the project.

As at other locations, AIDS education efforts are comprehensive. Last year, AIDS education programs were provided for over 20,000 people. Counseling services were given to 479 people. 154 people with AIDS received direct assistance from our social worker.

Funding is received from Maryknoll and MISSIO Germany as well as corporate and private donations..