Thai Community Development Center

The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), in collaboration with members of the Los Angeles Rapid Response Network (LARRN), including Pilipino Workers Center of Southern California, CARECEN-LA, CLUE-LA, and other community partners, held a special Community Power Forum on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

The occasion marked one year since the militarized and inhumane immigration raids impacted communities across Los Angeles. Members of LARRN came together to reflect on the challenges our communities have faced, honor the resilience and leadership of impacted families, and recommit ourselves to the work ahead.

The Theme was Los Angeles, Más Fuertes Que Ayer / Los Angeles, Stronger Than Yesterday: Resistance, Reflection, and Rededication to Justice One Year After the Militarization and Inhumane Immigration Crackdown in Los Angeles.

The program featured personal testimonies from impacted community members, reflections from faith leaders, presentations from partner organizations and elected officials, as well as poetry, video, and artwork highlighting our collective journey over the past year.

The LA Regional Human Trafficking Task Force officially launched the It’s a Penalty Los Angeles public awareness campaign with a press conference at Union Station on May 27th, 2026.

As one of the busiest transportation hubs in the country, Union Station serves as a powerful location to help raise awareness, reach travelers and frontline workers, and strengthen prevention efforts across Los Angeles ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

The launch brought together leaders from law enforcement, survivor advocacy organizations, and the private sector, including Sheriff Robert Luna, Captain Patricia Thomas, Talya Jones of Saving Innocence, and representatives from , .com, and . Speakers highlighted the profound impact prevention and education campaigns can have in connecting survivors with immediate support and critical resources

Thai CDC Staff Attorney, Mary Nguyen, was also present to represent Thai CDC who supports the launch and campaign.

None of this would be possible without the collaboration of incredible partners and advocates who continue working to help protect those at greatest risk. When communities, organizations, and industries come together with purpose, real change is possible.

You can watch the full recording of the press conference at the link here

If you’re concerned about your safety or someone else’s, help is one call away.

Use the free U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline, available 24/7:
Call 1-888-373-7888
Text 233733

Rinrada Jongthawornsatit, Legal Assistant at the Thai Community Development Center, attended the Los Angeles City Council meeting and submitted public comment in support of Council File 26-0638 on residential voting. She shared her experience as a legal permanent resident and now works directly with immigrant communities. Rinrada highlighted that many long-term residents in Los Angeles work, pay taxes, raise families, and contribute to the city, yet still lack a voice in local decision-making. She emphasized that expanding residential voting would strengthen fair representation and ensure that all community members who call Los Angeles home have a say in its future.

LA Rapid Response Network Launches “Know Before You Go!” Safety Guide for FIFA Watch Parties and Soccer Events Across Los Angeles County

In collaboration with the Center for Future Global Leaders (CFGL), earn a Certificate of Completion after 8 hours on the CFGL Digital Training Module. Participants can receive a free Chromebook (maximum of 2 Chromebooks per family). Participants must present a government-issued ID, and the person receiving the Chromebook must match the ID and certificate. Youth under the age of 14 may participate with a guardian.

Directions: After completing the form at https://pxllnk.co/s2d7vie, sign in using the sso.techedify.com/cfgl and then click on “CFGL: Digital Literacy Training Program.” Once 8 hours have been completed, you can claim your certificate. Both links are in our LinkTree.

🥫 On May 9th, Thai CDC did our part to "Stamp Out Hunger" by participating in the annual National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger event.

There were 20 volunteers altogether between the LDS church and Thai CDC helping sort and bag nonperishable food that the letter carriers brought back to the post office.

Through an amazing day of service, we rose to the opportunity to step into our communities—to listen, to lift, and to build genuine relationships. We uplift our own communities! Upwards and Onwards!

Check out more photos at the following link:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ck9h0ijx4p3cyozj7qege/AJ4TJMw5UEHO-hhUTTHKgH0?rlkey=7xqonaide986dgapc8zjrxukg&st=scykzak3&dl=0

It’s the last days of Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Heritage Month and the campaign. Help us finish strong by sharing our page and donating here!

Thai Town is a proud symbol of Thai American heritage. From beautification projects to supporting small businesses, Thai CDC has spearheaded efforts to preserve cultural authenticity while promoting economic development.

Your donation funds Small Business Assistance, Thai Town Beautification Projects (tree planting, street cleaning, etc.), and Thai Town Cultural Markers and Landmarks (Apsonsi and Kinarra statues)

Learn more and give at GiveInMay.org/Thai-Community-Development-Center

🗳️ Mobile Vote Center at Wat Thai of Los Angeles!

In partnership with Together We Vote organizations, the LA County Mobile Voting Program is bringing a Mobile Vote Center to Wat Thai of Los Angeles:
📅 Sunday, May 31, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Wat Thai of Los Angeles (8225 Coldwater Canyon Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91605)

Stop by to cast your ballot via kiosk or ballot drop off! Thai CDC will also be on-site providing legal, health, and community resources to support our community members.

Our work meets basic needs of food, housing, legal rights, and health—while providing financial literacy and guidance to promote economic mobility. Thai CDC addresses both immediate needs and systemic inequities to uplift Thai and other low- and moderate-income communities in Los Angeles.

Your donation funds Food Distributions, Medical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and Adult ESL Classes.

Learn more and give at GiveInMay.org/Thai-Community-Development-Center

Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month and vote with CAUSE across Los Angeles this election season.

Vote by June 2nd!

Thai CDC is joining CAUSE to partner and collaborate with Together We Vote organizations across Los Angeles County to bring voting directly into our communities through seven events over the next two weeks celebrating culture, connection, and civic participation in API neighborhoods.

Upcoming Together We Vote Events:

🗳️Saturday, May 23 | Culture Festival @ Blossom Market Hall (San Gabriel)

🗳️Sunday, May 24 | Chinese American Citizens Alliance Voting Event (Chinatown)

🗳️Monday, May 25 | CAUSE the Vote Run/Walk @ RoseBowl (Pasadena)

🗳️Sunday, May 31 | Wat Thai Temple Voting Event (North Hollywood)

🗳️Sunday, May 31 | Thunderbolt Voting Event with Pilipino Workers Center (Historic Filipinotown / Echo Park)

🗳️Sunday, May 31 | South Asian Network Voting Event @ Little Bangladesh Community Center

🗳️Monday, June 1 | Korean American Coalition Voting Event (Koreatown)