THE FOUNDATION FOR THE WELFARE OF THE CRIPPLED
THE FOUNDATION FOR THE WELFARE OF THE CRIPPLED UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF HER ROYAL
HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS MOTHER.
The Foundation for the Welfare for The Crippled in Thailand is a non profit organisation established in
1954.
The Foundation was originally set up to support the young victims of a polio outbreak
which swept Thailand in the early 50’s.
With a widespread inoculation programme making polio a thing of the past, The
Foundations efforts today are principally concentrated on helping children
suffering from cerebral palsy, Spina bifida and congenital deformities, which
perhaps present a greater challenge to both sufferers, care givers and the families
involved.
In recent years more and more Thai people have taken an interest in helping the
handicapped, with growing numbers of university students visiting the Foundation’s facilities.
Since its start, it has provided help for countless numbers of handicapped people, providing them with
treatment, welfare and education. The Foundation’s policy has helped them, help themselves, to face up
to their handicaps, enabling them to become less dependent on their families and Society for support,
gaining self confidence, leading more meaningful lives and becoming useful members of society.
The help extends not only to treatment, but to education, welfare and job placement.
The Foundation is an attractive building with many good facilities, thanks to the generosity of many
companies, charities and individuals.
A minimum of 18 Million baht is required annually to run it effectively and it still needs continuous
private support to carry on doing its good work.
It has a modest annual allocation of 150,000 baht from The Government and thereby relies on private
support.
The school provides 24-hour and 7-day care, accommodation and meals to over 300 handicapped
children. It gives rehabilitation and regular physical therapy to help the children.
Children aged 3 to 18 are educated in line with the standard curriculum of the Ministry of Education
from kindergarten to Grade 9 as well as special classes for mentally handicapped children.
Students are especially encouraged to participate in music, sports and various extra-curricular
activities which also helps to give them more confidence.
Students are encouraged to learn
basic vocational skills which will
enable them to earn a living and help
themselves after they leave the
school. These include computer
programming, hairdressing and basic
cooking.
Support and follow-up on the welfare
of present and former students
through home visits, procurement of
wheelchairs and other mobility aids,
as well as academic scholarships.
Some Foundation Successes
Meet some of the school’s former pupils who have, despite their
handicaps, achieved high levels in life that even some able-
bodied individuals would not be able to reach.
Here are a few successful alumni: graduates who are able to
support themselves and go on in life to excellence, including
Paralympic medalists, top academic professionals, and business
owners.
Somchai Doungkaew - Paralympic 2000 Gold Medalist: Swimming.
“We cannot choose how we are born, but we can choose to do courageous things
and to achieve great feats.
I would like to thank the Srisangwal School for educating me and teaching me a
wide range of crucial skills that has enabled me to succeed and become the
person I am today.”
Sopa Intasen - Paralympic 2000: 1 Gold
& 2 Silver Medals :Athletics.
“I always try my best and put in my greatest efforts in my
Paralympic races. For my family and for the Thai people.”
Saichon Konjen -
Paralympic Silver Medalist 2008, 2012, 2016
Asian Para Games Gold Medalist 2015.
“The goal isn’t just to win the race, but also to win against
my own misfortunes and hardships. That is what I am truly
proud of.
The Foundation cared for me since my early days—both
physically and mentally—enabling me to dream, to face my
challenges, and to stretch myself to where I am today.”
Professor Pongdej Chaiyakutr -
Former Dean of Fine
Arts Department at
Chiangmai University
“We should not ask for sympathy; rather, we
must work hard to excel and gain acceptance.”
Surapol Tuangsuwan - Owner of
a construction material shop.
Gularb Poolkij - Owner of “Gularb Farm & Resort”
“The Foundation made me realize that I am not
alone, that there are other people who suffer
much more than myself.
I became stronger and more persevering.”
“Now that I am quite successful, I want to support others as well …
I want the next generation of disabled children to receive the
educational opportunities I received at SriSangwal School.”
Here is the google map showing the schools location