“Uambun,” or “Bun,” an 11‑year‑old child under the sponsorship of World Vision Foundation of Thailand, represents the many children and young people whose lives have been transformed through access to legal identity and fundamental rights. Her story reflects the impact of World Vision Foundation of Thailand’s efforts to promote legal status recognition and ensure equitable access to basic rights.
Bun is one of many children who recently received a Person without Civil Registration Status Identification Card issued by the Department of Provincial Administration, Ministry of Interior, during the activity titled ‘Extending Royal Compassion: Advancing the Legal Status of G‑Registered Students in Honor of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on the Occasion of Her Birthday, 2 April 2026,’ held earlier this April.
For Bun, this moment meant far more than receiving an additional official document. It marked a renewed sense of hope, stability, and clarity for her future.
“This card means so much to me, because it gives me legal status and allows me to continue my education,” Bun said with a smile.
Previously, the lack of legal identity documentation posed significant obstacles in Nong Bun’s life—affecting her education, freedom of movement, and access to public services. Reflecting on her past experiences, she shared simply yet poignantly: “I used to be teased and bullied by friends who said I was a foreigner. It made me feel very sad.”
Receiving the Person without Civil Registration Status Identification Card has effectively removed many of the barriers that once constrained her life. It enables Nong Bun to remain securely within the education system, on equal footing with her peers. In addition, the card grants her access to healthcare services—an expense that had long placed a heavy burden on her family.
Education: The Key to a Dream
Bun places great importance on education and has a clear aspiration for her future: she dreams of becoming a nurse, dedicating her life to caring for others. Although she humbly describes herself as not being an outstanding student, her determination and commitment are unmistakable.
“I want to be a nurse. I want to help people and take care of those who are sick,” she said—simple words yet filled with hope.
Through the Child Sponsorship Program, Bun continues to receive holistic support, including educational supplies, clothing, and basic necessities. These essential forms of assistance help strengthen her readiness to learn, enabling her to study consistently, stay focused, and realize her full potential. Just as importantly, this support builds her confidence—allowing her to feel a sense of belonging in the classroom and to grow proudly alongside her peers.
Ms. Bo, Bun’s mother, shared that the family consists of three members—parents and one child. They earn a living through agricultural labor and domestic work, with unstable income that has made daily life particularly challenging in recent years.
“Each hospital visit is very costly, because our family belongs to the group of persons without civil registration status,” Ms. Bo explained.
Support from World Vision Foundation of Thailand—including food assistance, educational materials, and advocacy for legal status recognition—has significantly strengthened the family’s stability. Beyond easing daily concerns, this assistance has opened new pathways forward, enabling the family to move ahead with greater confidence and an improved quality of life.
Voices of Gratitude from the Heart
On this occasion, both Bun and her mother wished to express their heartfelt appreciation to all supporters and partners involved.
“Thank you to everyone who has helped our family,” a simple message, yet deeply meaningful.
Bun’s story illustrates that legal identity development is far more than a change in paperwork. It is the opening of a new chapter in a child’s life. The day a child is legally recognized is the day that child gains acceptance, rights, opportunities, and a clearer vision of the future. This transformation not only impacts the child herself but also nurtures hope for the entire family—laying a foundation for a life of dignity, stability, and possibility.
The promotion of legal identity for stateless children and youth is a core mission of World Vision Foundation of Thailand’s child protection efforts. Beyond legal recognition, this work affirms human dignity, creates inclusive space in society, and ensures that every child can stand with value, be acknowledged, and grow on equal ground.
Holding a Person without Civil Registration Status Identification Card, and progressing through formal legal recognition, represents a vital step—from uncertainty to opportunity, from vulnerability to genuine stability. This transformation opens doors not only to education and healthcare, but also to future livelihoods, freedom of movement, and long-term human development. Above all, it rekindles hope—empowering children, families, and communities to move forward with confidence, dignity, and sustainability.
