For a better quality of life for vulnerable children

As the international community’s perception of poverty in Thailand has become more positive, overseas donations to various charitable organisations in Thailand have decreased since 2021. In response, World Vision Foundation of Thailand is expediting strategic adjustments to address this funding shift.

Regarding this issue, a journalist from Prachachat Business interviewed Dr Sarawut Rachasrimuang, National Director of World Vision Foundation of Thailand, a Christian organisation and part of World Vision International. The organisation was founded in Thailand in 1974 and has implemented its ministry in the country for nearly 50 years. The charity has been funded both domestically and internationally to support vulnerable children, families and communities.

Dr Sarawut Rachasrimuang unveiled that international networks perceive that child poverty in Thailand has shown substantial progress, both domestically and compared to other nations. They also acknowledge the growing capacity of Thai donors to support children in their own country. As a result, overseas funding for child aid programs in World Vision Thailand has been discontinued since 2022.

World Vision Thailand’s individual fundraising model involves monthly donations of 700 baht through the Child Sponsorship Programme. These funds are combined with donations from other sources to maximise support for the best benefits of sponsored children, their families, and their communities.

“Overseas donations once constituted a substantial 70% of our funding but have been steadily decreasing over time. In 2019, they accounted for 14% of our total funding, and this year for 7%. As of next year, they will cease entirely, as World Vision International will reallocate these donations to support children and youth in other countries facing more severe hardships and poverty.” Dr Sarawut Rachasrimuang talked about the proportions of funding.

In 2019, World Vision Foundation of Thailand received donations from various sources: 450million baht from within Thailand, 78 million baht from overseas and 22 million baht from other sources. The donations of 394 million baht were spent to support the Child Sponsorship Programne which encompasses child and family development, addresses urgent community needs and fosters community engagement networks. The other portion of 156 million baht was spent to support different initiatives that promote good health and tackle key issues affecting children, their families and their communities, as well as migrants in Thailand, the most vulnerable and underprivileged group.