HELP NEEDED

- OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH: In Thailand, workers who suffer work-related hazards and illnesses are left pretty much on their own to fight for compensation. Acting on their behalf is the Council of Work- and Environment-related Patients Network of Thailand, a group of workers and activists that must shoulder all expenses for the lengthy and costly legal procedures.

The council is now raising funds through the traditional pha-pa merit-making ceremony to support their court cases. To donate, here's the bank info: Savings a/c name: 1. Mrs Tuenjai Boontisood, 2. Mrs Somporn Makkalipol, 3. Mr Likhit Srilapol, a/c no: 01-0209-20-017649-6, Government Savings Bank, Tiwanon branch. Call 02-951-2710, 02-951-3037 or 08-1813-2898, or email weptsomboon@hotmail.com so they can send you a receipt.

- SAVING OUR GIRLS: Young hill-tribe girls in Chiang Rai are still at risk from the insatiable sex trade. The Development and Education Programmes for Daughters and Communities are helping those at risk by providing free education and occupational training to empower them with life opportunities. The centre also offers outreach programmes for youngsters in the communities. The centre address is PO Box 10, Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai. Call 05-373-3186 or 05-373-2168, or fax 05-364-2415. Bank info: Bank of Ayudhya, Mae Sai branch, Chiang Rai; a/c name: DEPDC, a/c no: 331-1-05358-6. Swiftcode: AYUDTHBK

- VOLUNTEERS: The Agri-nature Foundation aims to promote natural farming to counter environmentally destructive chemical farming. It is now in need of volunteers who believe in the same goal. For more information, call 02-729-4456. To learn more about the foundation's activities, go to http://www.agrinature.or.th (in Thai only).