On 15 July 2026, Lt. Sorawud Preededilok, Minister attached to Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), delivered remarks at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Annual International Training Course (AITC) on Community-Led Housing Development and Collective Housing in Thailand, together with Dr. Kobsak Pootrakool, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Community Organizations Development Institute (CODI), and Ms. Chalermsri Radakul, Deputy Director and Acting Director of CODI.

The training course is held from 15 to 21 July 2026 and brings together 22 participants from 12 countries, namely Azerbaijan, Bhutan, China, Ecuador, Egypt, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Paraguay, Samoa, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan. As many countries continue to face challenges related to informal settlements and low-income urban communities, including inadequate housing as well as physical, economic, and social constraints, the programme aims to share Thailand’s knowledge, experiences, and best practices in community-led housing development through the internationally recognized Baan Mankong (Secure Housing) Programme, a people-centred housing development model that empowers community members to plan, design, and lead the development of their own communities. The programme also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 on No Poverty, SDG 10 on Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities, while reflecting the concept of SDG Localization.

On this occasion, Lt. Sorawud expressed his appreciation to CODI for its close collaboration in organizing this training course. He highlighted that development cooperation is strengthened through mutual learning and the sharing of practical experiences, and encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained to advance more inclusive and sustainable community and housing development in their respective countries.