About FTD

From a Collective of Academics to a Foundation Creating Opportunities for Youth Across Thailand

Historical Background of the Foundation for Thailand Development (FTD)

Founding Origins the Foundation for Thailand Development (FTD) originated from a collaborative assembly of academics spearheaded by Associate Professor Dr. Pat Noy-saengsri, then Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Vice President of Ramkhamhaeng University, during the presidency of Associate Professor Sukhum Nuansakul. The organization was initially established as the "Northeast Rural Economic and Social Promotion Foundation," with the primary objective of forging strategic partnerships with various organizations to empower the youth. This initiative sought to facilitate their active participation in national development through projects designed to enhance their own quality of life.

Key Institutional Milestones The institutional evolution of the Foundation is marked by several significant milestones:

1978

A collective comprising faculty members, government officials, and citizens from the Northeast region (Isan) established the "Isan Club". The club was dedicated to the collective improvement of socio-economic welfare and the quality of life for the rural population in the Northeast.

1981

The organization was formally registered as the "Northeast Rural Economic and Social Promotion Foundation" (Registration No. 671), consistently engaging in public interest activities for the benefit of the Northeastern populace.

2004

In response to the shifting socio-economic landscape and national development policies prioritizing youth welfare nationwide, the Board of Directors revised the organization's vision and mission. Consequently, the entity was renamed the "Foundation for Thailand Development (FTD)" to expand its scope beyond the Northeast region and relocated its headquarters to the current location.

2006

On January 1st, the Foundation was graced with a motto from His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand: "By giving what is good, one shall receive what is even better".

2011

The Ministry of Finance designated the Foundation for Thailand Development as a public charitable organization (No. 754), in accordance with the Ministry's notification regarding income and value-added tax (No. 471) dated November 9, 2011.

Current Identity and Mission Presently, the Foundation’s official emblem features the Phra That Phanom Borom Chedi emitting rays of light atop a lotus petal base, accompanied by the bestowed motto. The Foundation’s mission encompasses education, religion, arts and culture, public health, disaster relief, and research. These efforts are channeled through various projects aimed at improving the quality of life and providing enhanced opportunities for diverse groups, including youth, Border Patrol Police, children in welfare centers, veterans, and ailing monks.

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