24 July 2020, Thailand: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) partnered with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and six hairdresser associations to launch the ‘Chang Phom Oon Jai’ project amidst a press conference today. The Chang Phom Oon Jai is targeted specifically to support barbers and hairdressers to reopen their businesses in a safe manner. It seeks to provide support to 1,000 small barbershops and hair salons in Bangkok, Phuket, Nonthaburi, Yala, and Samutprakarn as well as in other provinces nationwide.

The project was officially launched by the Minister of Social Development and Human Security, Mr. Juti Krairiksh. Addressing the event, Mr. Krairiksh stated, “COVID 19 is significantly impacting businesses and driving changes in consumer behavior that could destroy traditional jobs. Among these are barbershops and hair salons that are now facing major transformations post-lockdown. They will now have to adapt to include hygiene measures and equipment to ensure the safest conditions possible for clients.”

Adding to this, Mr. Renaud Meyer, Resident Representative of UNDP said, “As many of the barbershops and salons are now re-opening, UNDP is joining forces with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and Professional Barber and Hair Salon Associations to help the many small and informal barbers and hairdressers get back to business, ensuring they operate with the highest standards of hygiene and safety conditions for both their customers and themselves.”

Through this training programme, the participants will learn about the preventive measures, technical and safety instructions about personal protective equipment, hygienic products and UV Sterilizer cabinet, and various hairstyle techniques; learn in an interactive manner via quizzes at the end of each module; and also receive a certificate of participation upon the completion of the course.

As part of the programme, the participants will receive an equipment package including UV Sterilizer cabinet, infrared thermometer, muslin mask, face shield, gloves, alcohol gel and ‘Oon Jai’ bag to ensure safe business. There will be three cohorts of participants in the programme: In the first cohort, with 100 person or shops nationwide, participants will receive the ‘Chang Phom Oon Jai’ training course from leading hairstylists. They will then be provided with a certificate after the training. In the second cohort, with 680 persons or shops from Bangkok, Phuket, Nonthaburi, Yala, and Samutprakarn, the participants will complete the training course via an online platform. And in the third cohort, the programme will include 220 persons or shops in more provinces beyond the five, where the participants will complete the same training course online.

The press conference was organized by the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development, and included representation from the International Hairdressing Network Federation and UNDP Thailand.

For more information, please contact:

Ms. Aphinya Siranart, Social Impact Investment Expert, UNDP Thailand

Email: aphinya.siranart@undp.org | Mobile: +6687 546 2111