GULF Backs Rama IX Cleft Center, Launches 'Empowering Me' Charity Art Initiative

Gulf Development Public Company Limited, represented by Sitamon Ratanawaladee, Director of Strategic Planning, received a certificate of honor from Tetch Bunnag, Secretary-General of the Thai Red Cross Society, in recognition of the company's donations and support for the Rama IX Centre for Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery at Chulalongkorn Hospital under the Thai Red Cross. The recognition was presented during the "40 Years of Rama IX Centre: International Standards Toward Sustainability" event held on July 13, 2025, at Chulalongkorn Hospital. The company is inviting the public to donate and receive commemorative items from the "Empowering Me" charity campaign, with all proceeds supporting the center's operations and reflecting GULF's commitment to combining infrastructure development with improved quality of life for disadvantaged Thais and equitable healthcare access.

Marking the center's 40th anniversary, GULF has brought back an exhibition of 10 symbolic paintings titled "Empowering Me – A Power of Identity Beyond Appearances: This Is Me, Beautiful As I Am," created by university students nationwide. The artwork conveys the dreams, resilience, and true identity of individuals with facial and cranial differences, aiming to foster understanding and acceptance of diversity in society.

GULF and Chulalongkorn Hospital have jointly set up a booth inviting public donations in exchange for commemorative items inspired by the "Empowering Me" concept, including acrylic keychains, canvas shoulder bags, and blankets. Interested donors can contribute and receive merchandise through various Thai Red Cross channels, including the website www.iredcross.org, with donations eligible for double tax deduction. All contributions will be directed without overhead costs to support the center's operations in caring for, treating, rehabilitating, and improving the sustainable quality of life for patients.

"GULF is proud to support the Rama IX Centre in enhancing the quality of life for young people with facial and cranial differences," said Sitamon. "The center plays a vital role in comprehensive patient care—physical, emotional, educational, and social skills development—enabling them to live confidently and reach their full potential. We are delighted that our support over the past decade has created opportunities and brighter futures for patients and families, benefiting Thai society and the healthcare system."

Over the past 10 years, GULF has improved patients' and families' quality of life through multi-faceted support of the Rama IX Centre, including: donating approximately 10 million baht toward patient care and transportation costs; providing over 20 million baht in educational scholarships under the "One Scholarship, One Dream, Build the Future" program, benefiting more than 500 youth and enabling three to complete undergraduate degrees; and organizing the "Empowering Me" art exhibition to showcase the identity and resilience of individuals with facial differences.