On 24 March 2025, Mr. Grisada Phakakarn, Director of the Human Resources Development Cooperation Division, had a discussion on the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) program with Ms. Sato Hiromi, Volunteer Program Coordinator, along with representatives from the JICA Thailand Office and TICA colleagues at Meeting Room 6, Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA).

The JICA Thailand Office presented an overview of the JOCV program in Thailand. Currently, 39 JOCVs are serving in various fields, such as Japanese Language Education, Elderly Care, Welfare for Persons with Disabilities, and more. The next round of applications for the Japanese Fiscal Year 2025 will open soon. JICA will primarily focus on areas where they have available candidates who can promptly serve as volunteers, including City and Local Environmental Improvement, Tourism Promotion for Local area Development, Assistance for Entrepreneurs and SMEs, and Aging-related support.

Additionally, the JICA Thailand Office is exploring the possibility of launching an “Online Volunteers” initiative as a pilot project in Thailand.