(1941- )
In
Thailand, a condom is popularly known as a ‘Mechai’ in tribute to the
work of Mechai Viravaidya, chairman and founder of the Population and
Community Development Association. Founded in 1974, the non-profit PDA
is active in the field of family-planning, rural development and HIV/AIDS
prevention.
Khun Mechai was educated at Geelong Grammar and graduated in Commerce
in 1964. He was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University
of Melbourne in 1993. He holds many other honorary degrees and decorations
from the Thai and Australian governments for his work in population
control and poverty reduction.
His biography, From Condoms to Cabbages, by Thomas D’Agnes, was published
in 2001. The title refers to a chain of restaurants established to promote
the aims of the PDA. The ‘world’s largest collection of national brand
condoms’ adorns the walls and condoms are offered in place of the more
usual after-dinner mints. A handicraft shop associated with the Bangkok
restaurant, jointly operated by PDA and Oxfam, sells condom-related
artifacts as well as more traditional craft work from north-east Thailand.
Khun Mechai is a frequent speaker at international forums on the necessity
for increasing efficiency and entrepreneurial activity among non-government
organisations as they evolve to fill the role previously taken by governments
in the alleviation of poverty and elimination of disease. He believes
donors will increasingly direct their assistance towards world crises
and that non-government organisations must therefore be prepared to
use business enterprises to finance their ongoing programs.
He is also outspoken on the issue of international assistance in dealing
with the challenge presented by the spread of HIV/AIDS, arguing that
local political and financial commitment are of the first importance,
and noting that 96 per cent of the money spent in Thailand on HIV/AIDS
prevention was raised locally. He is also a senator who has occupied
several government posts.
