CP Foundation Marks 39 Years Building Opportunity, Transforming Thai Society

The Charoen Pokphand Foundation for Rural Community Development held an event titled "From One Opportunity to a Million Dreams," showcasing stories of youth who benefited from four major programs: vocational training in eldercare, royal scholarship programs for students, family foster care support in cultural communities, and egg-laying chicken projects for school meals. The foundation emphasized how developing one person creates positive ripple effects across families, communities, and society sustainably, through education, vocational development, food security, and support for disadvantaged children.

The event was presided over by Air Chief Marshal Chalit Phukphatsuk, a privy councilor and chairman of the foundation's board, alongside Supakij Chearavanont, chairman of the Charoen Pokphand Group, and senior executives from the group's companies at the True Tower Auditorium on Ratchadamri Road.

Over nearly 39 years, the foundation has been committed to developing people in line with the royal philosophy, implementing three core strategies: rural leadership development, food security, and social innovation cultivation. These efforts target all age groups—children, youth, and seniors—while strengthening communities nationwide.

One success story is the eldercare vocational training program, which opened opportunities for youth and adults to learn professional eldercare skills suited to Thailand's aging society. Many participants have translated their training into stable careers with steady income and improved family living standards. Ms. Yanida Juitung, one graduate, transformed from economic hardship to a secure profession, now supporting her family independently. "I didn't study just for myself, but to have a stable career and income to support my family," she said. "The foundation gave me this chance, and now I can send money home to help my parents and care for my siblings. That's my greatest pride."

Another success is the royal scholarship program, which provides educational opportunities for youth in remote areas. Tharathon Luangmani, a former border police school student, received a scholarship enabling him to complete a bachelor's degree in education from Chulalongkorn University. The scholarship relieved his family's financial burden, and after graduation, he became a physical education teacher at a private school, inspiring younger generations to pursue similar opportunities. "Everyone has dreams, but dreams become real only through action," he said. "Mistakes aren't endpoints—they're pauses for reflection and learning. With determination and resilience, anyone can build their own future."

For disadvantaged children, the foundation has operated the foster family support program in cultural communities since 2002, enabling orphans to grow up in loving, caring foster families.