About Sriphai Homberg
CEO and Co-Founder of the Avoda Foundation
Sriphai Homberg is a visionary leader, a resilient advocate, and the heart behind the Avoda Foundation. As the co-founder and CEO, she has dedicated her life to empowering vulnerable communities, uplifting marginalized individuals, and creating sustainable change across Thailand.
Born into an Iu Mien refugee family in Northern Thailand, Sriphai’s journey is a testament to the power of faith, determination, and compassion. Growing up in a family displaced by conflict, she experienced firsthand the challenges of poverty, prejudice, and instability. These experiences shaped her worldview and ignited a deep passion for serving others, especially those who feel forgotten or voiceless.
A Journey of Faith and Leadership
Sriphai’s path to leadership began with her own struggles and triumphs. Raised in a household practicing spirit worship, she was introduced to Buddhism at school and later encountered Christianity through a local missionary couple. Amid family challenges and personal crises, she discovered her faith in God, finding peace and purpose through prayer.
Armed with this newfound faith, Sriphai pursued higher education, earning a degree in Mass Communication from a university in Bangkok. During her studies, she met Raimund Homberg, her future husband and partner in mission. Together, they began working to provide English and Life Skills classes to children in impoverished Thai villages, laying the foundation for what would later become the Avoda Foundation.
A Legacy of Compassion and Action
In 2012, Sriphai and Raimund co-founded the Avoda Foundation to formalise their efforts and expand their reach. Under her leadership, Avoda has grown into a multi-faceted organisation addressing critical needs in nutrition, education, legal support, and vocational training. Her hands-on approach and deep empathy for those she serves have earned her the trust and admiration of communities, volunteers, and partners alike.
Milestones Under Sriphai’s Leadership:
• Christian Migrant School: Provides education for 200 Burmese refugee children,integrating them into the Thai school system.
• Anti-Drug and Life Skills Program: Reduced youth drug use in Chiang Rai’s Iu Mientribe by 85%, offering counseling, skills training, and mentorship.
• Emergency Nutrition: Led initiatives to combat acute malnutrition among refugeechildren, delivering thousands of meals monthly.
• Vocational Training: Established programs to equip marginalized individuals withjob skills, helping them achieve independence and financial stability.
• Preventing Environmental Disaster in Tak Province:
Sriphai’s leadership extends beyond Avoda to activism. She led the fight against the illegal construction of a massive waste burner on elevated land in Tak province. This burner would have poisoned the only water creek supplying over 1,000 farmers in the lower land,destroying their livelihoods. Despite the political connections of the project’s backers,Sriphai uncovered corruption and reported it to the media.With the support of responsible Thai officials and extensive media coverage, the project was halted within just 21 days—a nearly unprecedented achievement. Over 2,000 villagers-followed Sriphai, trusting her leadership, and celebrated this rare victory against powerful forces. As one villager exclaimed, “We always lose against the big powers. But this time we won!”
Leadership Philosophy
For Sriphai, leadership is deeply personal. She leads with humility, faith, and a profound understanding of the challenges faced by those Avoda serves. Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: “Turn problems into projects, and trust that God will guide the way.” This mindset has shaped Avoda’s approach to tackling complex issues with innovative, sustainable solutions.
Her story is not just one of resilience but also of empowering others to rise above their circumstances. She believes that every person has the potential to thrive when given the right support, and she has dedicated her life to making that belief a reality.
Recognitions and Achievements
Under Sriphai’s leadership, Avoda has become a trusted name in nonprofit work in Thailand,earning recognition for its innovative programs and measurable impact. Her activism in Tak province further highlighted her ability to unite communities and stand up to injustice, making her a respected figure in both social and environmental advocacy.
A Personal Commitment to the Mission
For Sriphai, Avoda is not just an organisation; it’s her life’s work. She sees her role as a form of worship, a way to honor God by serving others. Whether she’s mentoring staff, meeting with community leaders, or praying with a family in need, she brings the same energy, passion, and love to everything she does.
Message from Sriphai
“Avoda is not just about aid; it’s about empowerment. It’s about helping people see their worth,rediscover their potential, and step into the lives God has called them to live. This work is my way of giving back, of living out my faith, and of creating a legacy of hope that will last for generations.
”For media inquiries, interviews, or speaking engagements with Sriphai, please contact:
• Email: media@avodafoundation.org
• Phone: 094-601-3331
• Website: www.avodafoundation.org