Along the Thai–Myanmar border in Tha Song Yang District, Tak Province, a small rural school serves a purpose far beyond education. It is the centre of learning and a haven for children from poor and remote families.
Most people in this area belong to the Karen ethnic group, and many families still lack Thai nationality. This means they are deprived of basic rights and access to government services. Parents often earn irregular incomes from farming and casual labour, making it difficult to fully support their children’s schooling.
Although the school provide quality education free of charge, the problem of deteriorating and insufficient dormitories remains a major obstacle to children’s learning and safety—especially for female students who have to live in cramped, unsuitable conditions that compromise their hygiene and well-being.
Prasong Sriphithakdamrong, known as “Boss Nice”, Programme Manager, Tak Province, explained: “Currently, more than 70 students live in the old dormitories—27 boys and the rest girls. The school has two male dormitories and two female dormitories, which are very small and old. Some female students even have to stay in teachers’ houses because there are not enough rooms. Building a new girls’ dormitory is an urgent necessity to provide them with a secure, strong, safe and hygienic place to live.”
Now, girls from distant villages have moved into the new dormitory, reducing the risk of infectious diseases and potential surrounding dangers. It also promotes physical and mental health and improves academic performance.
Orapin, or ‘Lapi’, 14, said: “The new dormitory is the biggest and best gift I have ever received! My friends and I are so happy to stay here. From now on, we will not have to sleep squashed together like before.”
Similarly, Ornicha, or ‘Nicha’, added: “The new dormitory has enough space for us to sit down and play together, as well as do homework. Most importantly, the new bathrooms are clean and pleasant to use. Thank you to all the kind adults who gave us this wonderful gift. Thank you so much!”
In the long term, the new dormitory is expected to last around 30 years and accommodate at least 300 students over its lifetime. It will increase access to education, reduce school dropouts, and create a child-safe space that fosters sustainable emotional, social, and learning development.
“I am proud to be part of this project. I hope this dormitory will not only provide a safe and suitable place for students from remote areas but also become a place of hope and encouragement, motivating children here to value education and giving them the foundation for a better future. On behalf of World Vision Foundation of Thailand, I would like to thank all the supporters who recognised the importance of children and funded this project. Thank you,” Boss Nice concluded with a smile.
