Freeland Foundation Thailand

The Freeland Foundation is an international non-governmental organization headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, with a mission to protect vulnerable people and wildlife from organized crime and corruption. Founded in 2000, the organization is a frontline counter-trafficking entity dedicated to creating a world free of human slavery and wildlife trafficking.

Freeland’s work is built on three core pillars:

• Combating Crime: Freeland provides direct training and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies, including police, customs, and environmental departments, across Southeast Asia and other parts of the world. By focusing on capacity building, it helps these agencies combat poaching, illegal logging, and human trafficking. The organization’s trainers are often former government enforcement officers, bringing a high level of expertise to their programs. They also facilitate cross-border and inter-agency cooperation to dismantle transnational criminal syndicates.
• Supporting Sustainable Communities: Recognizing that poverty is a key driver of both human and wildlife trafficking, Freeland works with vulnerable rural communities to develop sustainable, environmentally friendly livelihoods. This includes projects such as reforestation, plant nurseries, and small-scale farms, which provide economic alternatives to illegal activities.
• Raising Awareness: Through public awareness campaigns, Freeland highlights the roles that consumer demand and apathy play in fueling trafficking. The organization collaborates with media outlets and advertising firms to deliver its message, encouraging the public to take action, report crimes, and reduce demand for trafficked products.

Key Programs and Achievements:

• PROTECT Program: This program provides comprehensive training packages for rangers and protected area managers, dramatically improving security through enhanced law enforcement and patrolling.
• DETECT Program: Freeland offers specialized, hands-on forensic training to wildlife crime investigators to help them secure crime scenes, collect evidence, and build stronger cases against traffickers.
• ASEAN-WEN Support Program: In partnership with USAID, Freeland provides crucial support to the ASEAN Wildlife Enforcement Network (ASEAN-WEN), an inter-governmental initiative to combat wildlife smuggling. This includes conducting national assessments, providing training, and facilitating workshops.

By working closely with governments, local communities, and other NGOs, the Freeland Foundation has become a respected and effective force in the fight against crimes that harm both nature and humanity.