Bangkok: The Por Tek Tung Foundation has announced its substantial investment in social welfare projects for the year 2024, amounting to over 511 million baht.
According to Thai News Agency, the foundation has focused on initiatives that include life-saving, life-preserving, and life-building efforts, benefiting numerous communities across Thailand. The Chairman, Mr. Wichian Techapaiboon, highlighted the foundation's increased budget compared to the previous year, which saw an expenditure of approximately 501 million baht.
The foundation's operations in 2024 were categorized into three primary areas. The 'Life-saving' initiatives received a budget allocation of over 166 million baht and provided assistance to 491,905 individuals. These efforts included aid for flood victims in northern and southern border provinces, as well as accident and disaster relief operations. The 'Life-preserving' segment, with over 38.4 million baht allocated, involved the foundation's medical unit offering treatment in Bangkok and remote areas, alongside supplying medical equipment to hospitals. Lastly, 'Life-building' projects were supported with a budget exceeding 278 million baht, assisting 956,645 individuals through educational and employment programs.
Looking ahead to 2025, Mrs. Sirikul from the foundation shared plans for new initiatives, including a scholarship program aimed at providing educational opportunities in public health for underprivileged students from remote areas. This project aims to address the shortage of public health personnel by encouraging students to return and work in their communities. Additionally, the foundation will launch a project to distribute white canes to visually impaired individuals.
In the wake of the Office of the Auditor General's building collapse due to a recent earthquake, the foundation played a crucial role in relief efforts. Its disaster relief team coordinated with rescue teams and volunteers to evacuate affected individuals and patients from several hospitals in Bangkok. The foundation also provided essential supplies, such as lighting equipment and oxygen tanks, and offered support to those awaiting news of their loved ones.
Furthermore, the construction progress of the Tai Hong Kong White Jade Shrine on Charoen Rat Road is reported to be over 96.25 percent complete. The building structure is finished, with the interior decorations nearing completion. The landscaping work at the 80th Anniversary Chalermprakiat Park is also progressing, with over 76 percent completed, and the site is anticipated to open to the public within 2025.