Thailand Foundation (มูลนิธิไทย) is a non-profit organization that conducts public diplomacy work. The organization runs various projects aimed toward promoting people-to-people connection and international understanding of Thailand, Thai people, and Thainess.[1]
| Thailand Foundation | |
| Label1: | Founded |
| Data1: | 18 December 2007 |
| Label2: | Type |
| Data2: | Non-profit organization |
| Label3: | Location |
| Data3: | 443 Sri Ayudhya Road Bangkok 10400 |
| Label4: | Area served |
| Data4: | Worldwide |
| Label5: | Chairperson |
| Data5: | Dr. Chirayu Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya |
| Label6: | Secretary-General |
| Data6: | Tharit Charungvat |
| Label7: | Website |
| Data7: | www.thailandfoundation.or.th |
| Label8: | Motto |
| Data8: | "Connecting People Through Goodwill and Friendship" |
The Thailand Foundation was established on 18 December 2007 under the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. The organization's main task is to conduct public diplomacy programs for the country.[2] During its primary years, the foundation oversaw projects in collaboration with the private and government sectors, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.[3] The projects were aimed towards showcasing Thailand, especially Thai culture, on the international stage. These included creating website contents and arranging cultural performances in different countries.
In 2021, the Thailand Foundation transformed its structure to emphasize four main areas of focus, namely culture and heritage, exchange and studies program, Thai language learning, and spiritual values of Thailand, particularly Buddhism.[4] The organization also introduced a new logo depicting the prang of Wat Arun in Bangkok (a site used by historic travelers to navigate towards the heart of Thailand)[5] and launched an official Thailand Foundation Website[6] to house its public contents, along with the Thailand Foundation Academy for its language course.[7]
Despite being initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Thailand Foundation exists as an independent entity that is governed by a Board of Directors headed by the current chairperson, Dr. Chirayu Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya. The Board is composed of individuals from the public and private sectors,[8] including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Chulalongkorn University, ThaiBev, C.P. Group, Mitr Phol Group, B.Grimm Group, and Muang Thai Insurance PLC.The Board elects the organization's Secretary-General, who oversees the operations of activities. The current Secretary-General is Tharit Charungvat.
The Thailand Foundation conducts a number of activities, mostly centered around its four main areas of focus, including: (1) Thai Culture and Heritage, (2) Thai Studies and Exchange Programs, (3) Thai Language Courses, and (4) Spiritual Values and Meditation.[9] The organization also partners with the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs to host the annual Thailand's Public Diplomacy Award.
The Foundation collects and publishes online articles, videos, and electronic books on wide-ranging subjects of Thai culture. The cultural contents are available in the English language on the Foundation's website.[10] The Foundation has also partnered with Thai embassies and consulates to established Thailand Corners in academic institutions and libraries of countries such as the United States, Morocco, and Germany.[11] The Thailand Corners house books on the subject of Thai culture, history, and society.
The Foundation organizes training and exchange programs, and supports academic activities in the field of Thai Studies. It has partnered with Thai embassies and consulates, as well as exchange organizations and universities in Thailand such as AFS Thailand, YFU Thailand, OEG, Chulalongkorn University, and Buriram Technical College etc.[12]
Since 2022, the Foundation has been hosting the Expatriate Orientation Programs for foreign expats living in Thailand. The program includes lectures on various topics related to culture, history, economy, arts, and business among others.[13]
The Foundation offers online Thai language courses and related materials on the Thailand Foundation Academy[14] platform.[15] The courses are developed in partnership with Chulalongkorn University, Mahasarakham University and Naresuan University. As of now, there are 12 courses available, including English, Khmer, Laos, Burmese, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese and Chinese.[16]
The Foundation provides resources on Buddhist teachings, mindfulness practice, and meditation. The materials primarily focus on application of Buddhist themes on modern-day topics. Much of the contents are compiled from the works of the Buddhist scholars such as P.A. Payutto and Ajahn Jayasaro.[17]
In 2022, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and the Thailand Foundation co-establish the Thailand's Public Diplomacy Award (TPDA) to honor individuals, groups, and organizations that have played significant roles in promoting Thailand's public diplomacy efforts.[18] The nomination is open to the public, with the Board of the Thailand Foundation acting as the final decider on the awardees.[19] The recipients of the award are Dr. Soontorn Antarasena (2022)[20] and Ms. Moriya and Ms. Ariya Jutanugarn (2023, co-recipients).[21]