Amid the warm atmosphere of ‘Heartfelt Thanks: Moving Forward Together to Create Change,’ an event hosted by World Vision Foundation of Thailand to recognize its longtime sponsors and donors, one story offered a profound reflection on the meaning of “Giving”. It is the story of Dr. Chatchawal Phaosawad, the 60-year-old president of the Foundation of Sufficiency Economy Family, who has sponsored children through World Vision Foundation of Thailand for two decades.
This lasting connection began 20 years ago with a single letter delivered to his home. The letter outlined the mission and objectives of World Vision Foundation of Thailand. After reading it, Dr. Chatchawal was immediately impressed and drawn to the organization’s approach for two key reasons that closely aligned with his own values.
The first was his Christian faith. The second was World Vision Foundation of Thailand’s mission to support vulnerable children living in poverty, which closely aligned with his longstanding work driving initiatives for children and youth.
“I’m a lawyer, so before deciding to support any organization, I research the organization and carefully review the details,” Dr. Chatchawal said, describing a habit shaped by his profession. After thoroughly reviewing the history of World Vision Foundation of Thailand, he found the organization to be focused, transparent, and deeply committed to helping children and youth reach their full potential. He decided to lend his support without hesitation—and has continued to do so ever since.
For the past 20 years, Dr. Chatchawal has made a monthly contribution of 700 baht to World Vision Foundation of Thailand through his credit card. Some may consider it a modest amount, but to him, its significance extends far beyond the number.
“For me, this may not be a large amount of money, but for a child, it could be enough to transform their life,” he said with conviction. He explained that people have often asked whether a few hundred baht a month can truly help a child. What they need to understand, he said, is that he is not giving alone—many other supporters are contributing as well.
“Some people may think that 700 baht a month is not much. But when everyone comes together and contributes what they can, those small gifts add up to meaningful support that can truly pass opportunities on to children across the country.”
This is the heart of selfless giving: focusing not on the amount, but on the value and lasting impact of consistent support.
What has kept Dr. Chatchawal on this journey for so long are the letters the children write and send him each year. He vividly remembers receiving letters from one child from elementary school through secondary school.
“Through the stories in their letters each year, I can see their continued growth and progress. What I give each month may not be a large amount, but when I see that this support has helped a child access education and improve their life, I feel that our contribution is incredibly worthwhile.”
One word appears time and again in the letters: ‘Dad,’ the word the children use to address him. “I’m a father myself, so when the children write to me and call me ‘Dad,’ it feels like caring for one of my own children. I feel happy every time I see them grow, develop, and make progress in life. That sense of fulfillment is deeply meaningful.”
He also used a simple yet powerful analogy to describe raising children:
“Nurturing one child—or many children—is not something that produces results quickly, like growing bean sprouts in just a few days. It takes time, consistency, and care.”
This analogy clearly reflects his philosophy of giving: transforming a person’s life requires patience and sustained commitment. It does not happen overnight.
For Dr. Chatchawal, child sponsorship affects more than the life of one child; its impact ripples far beyond. “I wholeheartedly believe that when children from families experiencing poverty or a lack of opportunity receive support and achieve a better quality of life, the benefits extend beyond the children themselves. When they experience kindness and unconditional support from others, they will learn the value of giving in the future. I believe that one day, they will give back to society, their communities, and those around them—passing opportunity from one generation to the next.”
This is an enduring cycle of kindness: it begins with one person’s modest gift and grows into meaningful change that reaches families and entire communities.
Although many children view Dr. Chatchawal as an important person in their lives, he remains humble about his role. “I don’t necessarily think of myself as someone important to the children. What matters most to me is that when I donate through World Vision Foundation of Thailand, the support can genuinely improve their quality of life. That is my priority.”
Still, when speaking about his true feelings, he gently acknowledged, “Seeing a child we sponsor grow up, receive an education, set goals, and build a brighter future brings me tremendous pride and happiness. We have truly played a part in creating meaningful change in a child’s life. That is why I continue to support World Vision Foundation of Thailand to this day.”
“What I want to tell every child, whether or not I support them directly, is that I hope they grow up to be ‘good people’ of society. I also want them to dedicate themselves to their education, develop their knowledge and abilities, and understand the sound principles and values that guide a meaningful life. If they can grow academically, morally, and personally, I believe they will become an important force in our country’s future.” These powerful words, filled with goodwill from a caring ‘adult,’ to children, embody confidence, trust, and unconditional love. These qualities that can transform a child’s life—opening the door to education opportunities, giving them dreams to pursue, and creating a better future.
For decades, World Vision Foundation of Thailand has supported children, families, and communities. The positive impact extends beyond the children themselves, reaching their families and communities. The story of a sponsor like Dr. Chatchawal is one of thousands demonstrating that continued support and trust can create meaningful, lasting change.
World Vision Foundation of Thailand extends its heartfelt gratitude to every sponsor—for every step we have taken together, for your unwavering trust, and for the opportunities you provide to help children in Thailand thrive. You are more than a donor; you are ‘someone who matters,’ who can truly transform a child’s life.
