Latest News and Past Activities of the Foundation
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A Royal Gift for Thai Children with special needs,
symbolizing friendship and care of a Princess of Belgium.
On the 19th of December 2024, the Chao Phya Abhai Raja and the Sataban Saengsawang Foundations hosted a Christmas Dinner for 300 distinguished guests in the Grand Hall of The Athenee Bangkok.
The aim of the event was to unveil “The Friends of Big and DugDig”, the Thai version of an illustrated book written by H.R.H. Princess Lea of Belgium for children with special needs. Besides the unveiling of the book, the evening was an occasion to create additional awareness about the work and dedication of those who take care of people with special needs, such as autism. Among the many guests of the event were H.E. Dr. Chirayu and Thanpuying Oranush Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, Thanpuying Dr. Pharani Mahanonda, H.E. Dr. Sakthip and M.R. Benchapa Krairiksh, Khunying Kwanta Devakula, Mom Bongkojpriya Yugala, M.R. Malinee Chakrabandhu, M.R. Usnisa Sukhsvasti, M.L. Pariyada Diskul, M.L. Pavaris Kitiyakara, Mr. Suthipak Chirathivat, and Mr. William and Mrs. Kathy Heinecke.
Background of the project
In January 2023, H.R.H. Princess Lea of Belgium visited the Sataban Saengsawang Foundation. During the visit, the Princess mentioned “The Friends of Valdy and Rush”, an illustrated book that she had written for autistic children in the past. The book includes seven short stories with dialogues between cute animals. Each story reflects on a situation that children with special needs may face, with advice on how to deal with their feelings. On the day of her visit to the foundation, H.R.H. Princess Lea of Belgium expressed her wish to have the book translated for Thai children, a task that the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Foundation has been honored to fulfill. The book has been adapted for young Thai readers and renamed “The Friends of Big and DugDig”. It will be distributed to organizations who support children with special needs all over Thailand. The project being a collaboration between the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Foundation and the Sataban Saengsawang Foundation, both organizations have decided to unveil the book in a festive Christmas Dinner on the 19th of December 2024.
The Christmas Dinner
The guests were welcomed at The Athenee Bangkok in sophisticated décor and a festive atmosphere. Christmas gifts were offered to everyone, including special presents prepared by the students of the Sataban Saengsawang Foundation. Following a welcome address by Mr. Sakthip Krairiksh, the President of the Sataban Saengsawang Foundation, a traditional Christmas menu was served. The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the book, when H.R.H. Princess Lea joined the guests on the screen, all the way from her home in Belgium. Several guests could interact directly with the Princess and remember her previous visits to Thailand. Soon after the unveiling of the book, children with special needs walked on the stage, accompanied by big mascots of Big and DugDig, to receive the book of Princess Lea directly from the hands of Santa Claus himself. Big and Dugdig Plush dolls were also offered to the children as a gift from the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Foundation, making this moment of the evening very touching.
The guests could also witness on the large screen the happiness of children in other provinces who also received the book. Later on, it was time for the children to express gratitude to Princess Lea in a very special and lively “Thank You” performance. In his speech, Count Gerald van der Straten Ponthoz, Chairman of the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Foundation, thanked the Princess for her gift to the children, emphasizing that she offered much more than just a book. Her gift is indeed an important symbol of her friendship and attachment to Thailand. A personal message written by H.H. Prince Chalermsuk Yugala was read to the Princess before she left the screen. Prince Chalermsuk has welcomed Princess Lea to Thailand on each of her previous visit to Thailand, and he has been instrumental in making the Belgian Princess love Thailand and the Thai society. The dinner ended with a Christmas finale, in which M.R. Benchapa Krairiksh, Mr. Jarutat and Dr. Jaruwaree Snitwongse Na Ayuthaya, and Dr. Jintanant Chaya Subhamitra, were joined by students of the Sataban Saengsawang Foundation, to wish all the guests a Happy New Year.
The Foundation donates illustrated books for autistic children.
The Chao Phya Abhai Raja Foundation offers free copies of the book “The Friends of Big and DugDig” for children affected by autism.
The illustrated book « The Friends of Big and DugDig » was written by HRH Princess Lea of Belgium and translated into Thai, to be offered to children with special needs. Following its unveiling on the 19th of December, the book has already been distributed to foundations and organizations taking care of children with special needs all over Thailand. The book contains 7 short stories in which the characters are cute animals that encounter situations which children with special needs may experience in their own life. Each story ends with an advice to cope with these situations. If your family has a child affected by autism, or if you would like to make an autistic child happy, be welcome to send us a message and we will quickly send you a copy of the book. The Foundation has only 50 books to offer. The books will be sent free of charge only within Thailand, one per family, until the stock is over.
มูลนิธิเจ้าพระยาอภัยราชาสยามานุกูลกิจมอบหนังสือนิทานเรื่อง “ผองเพื่อนของบิ๊กและดุ๊กดิ๊ก” ให้เด็กที่มีอาการออทิสติก
เจ้าหญิงเลอาแห่งเบลเยียม ได้ทรงนิพนธ์หนังสือนิทานต้นฉบับ เรื่อง “ผองเพื่อนของบิ๊กและดุ๊กดิ๊ก” นี้ และทางมูลนิธิฯ ได้นำมาแปลและปรับเป็นภาษาไทย เพื่อมอบเป็นของขวัญให้กับเด็กพิเศษ
หลังจากที่มีงานเปิดตัวหนังสือนิทานไปเมื่อวันที่ 19 ธันวาคมที่ผ่านมา ทางมูลนิธิฯ ได้แจกจ่ายหนังสือไปยังมูลนิธิและองค์กรต่างๆ ที่ดูแลเด็กพิเศษทั่วประเทศไทย ภายในหนังสือนิทานนี้ ประกอบด้วยเรื่องสั้น 7 เรื่อง โดยเล่าเรื่องผ่านเหล่าตัวละครสัตว์น่ารักที่เผชิญสถานการณ์ต่างๆ ที่เด็กพิเศษอาจพบเจอในชีวิตจริง ในแต่ละเรื่องจะปิดท้ายด้วยคำแนะนำสำหรับวิธีรับมือกับสถานการณ์เหล่านั้น ถ้าครอบครัวของท่านมีเด็กที่มีอาการออทิสติก หรือท่านต้องการมอบความสุขให้กับเด็กออทิสติก ท่านสามารถส่งความประสงค์ของท่านมาที่มูลนิธิฯ ทางเรายินดีจัดส่งหนังสือนิทานนี้ไปให้ท่านได้ ทางมูลนิธิฯ มีหนังสือคงเหลือจำนวน 50 เล่มเท่านั้น โดยทางเรายินดีจัดส่งให้ภายในประเทศไทย โดยไม่คิดค่าใช้จ่ายใดๆ ครอบครัวละหนึ่งเล่ม จนกว่าของจะหมด
Assisting those affected by the floods.
On the 12th of September the Foundation donated 50,000 bath to be used to distribute bottled water and dry food in the flooded areas of Maechan, Chiangrai. Some of the board members of the foundation went to make the distribution to those affected by the difficult situation.
A dinner with the Prime Minister of Bhutan.
On the 5th of September 2024, the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Foundation, together with
FBX (Family Business Exponential), and the Royal Bhutanese Embassy, hosted a sophisticated dinner honored by the presence of H.E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay, the Hon'ble Prime Minister of Bhutan. Invited by Count Gerald van der Straten Ponthoz, Chairman of the Foundation, the Prime Minister delivered a keynote speech about the Gelephu Mindfulness City, which is a very ambitious project of His Majesty King Jigme of Bhutan to develop a new Special Administration Zone in the south of the country.
The project, which adheres to the culture and traditions of Bhutan aims at boosting the economy of the country, offer new opportunities to its youth, while at the same time preserve the Bhutanese identity.
The event was attended by numerous distinguished guests of the Thai society and a large delegation from Bhutan.
A souvenir book of the Foundation's 15th anniversary.
In December 2023, the Foundation has published a non-commercial souvenir book, about the many activities which were organized to celebrate its 15th anniversary in January.The book includes a chapter about most of the events, with hundreds of pictures about the invited guests, highlights, and performances. Many friends and partners have written short texts, expressing their feelings about the anniversary, the various activities, or the work of the Foundation since 15 years.
Annual meeting of the board of the Foundation.
On the 21st of April 2023, the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Foundation held its annual board meeting.
Various subjects were part of the agenda of the meeting, including a slight modification of one of its three objectives. Following the agreement of the board, the three objectives of the Foundation are now: 1) To preserve the memory of the work and achievements of Chao Phya Abhai Raja in Siam, 2) To help the society, 3) To contribute to friendship between the Thai society. The other points on the agenda included a review of the accounts, discussions about the past and future projects, and some general administration matters.
4,200,000 baht donated on the occasion of the Foundation's
15th Anniversary.
On the occasion of the Candlelight Gala Dinner, celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Foundation, symbolic donations were announced by the Foundation, and more amounts were donated by the guests of the gala.
A total of 2,7 million baht was donated by the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Foundation to charities which have been part, in a way or the other, of its history, such as the Rotary, the Inspire Project, the Sataban Saeng Sawang Foundation, etc...
Other donations were made by the guests, who, in exchange of their generosity, have received a small replica of the Miss Universe Crown, made by Mouawad.
The 15th Anniversary of the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Siammanukulkij Foundation, celebrated in several events honored by the presence of H.R.H. Princess Lea of Belgium.18th to 27th of January 2023.
In January 2023 the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Siammanukulkij Foundation celebrated its 15th anniversary in a series of events in Bangkok. On this occasion, the Foundation has invited H.R.H. Princess Lea of Belgium to make a private to Thailand, an invitation that the Princess has graciously accepted. The events were attended by the numerous friends and supporters of the Foundation.
During her private visit, the Belgian Princess presided over an important charity gala dinner, a conference about Chao Phya Abhai Raja, and the opening of an exhibition, together with H.S.H. Prince (Mom Chao) Chalermsuk Yugala.
Besides these important events, other activities were hosted by the Foundation, its friends, or partners, during which Princess Lea could strenghten the already established friendly relations within the Thai society.
The Candlelight Gala Dinner.
The most important event organized to Celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Siammanukulkij Foundation was the Candlelight Gala Dinner, held at The Athenee Bangkok on the 19th of January 2023.Princess Lea presided over the gala together with H.S.H. Prince (Mom Chao) Chalermsuk Yugala, and numerous distinguished guests of the Thai society. The event combined charity with glamour. On the occasion of this sophisticated evening, the Foundation indeed made 15 donations to associations and project which have been part of its history. But besides the donations made by the Foundation, a collaboration with world renowned jeweler Mouawad and Miss Universe Thailand not only added beauty and glamour to the program, but also opportunities for the guests to further help the society. To mark 15 years of activities of the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Siammanukulkij Foundation, Mouawad did craft 15 small replicas of the Miss Universe crown, and these could each be exchanged for donations of 200,000b. The benefit obtained from the crown replicas was equally shared and fully donated to the Prostheses Foundation of H.R.H. the Princess Mother, and the Prince and Princess Alexandre Mutual Aid Fund, the charity of Princess Lea. The Prostheses Foundation of H.R.H. the Princess Mother had a special place in the program of the gala, including during an amazing and very heart-warming fashion finale. The finale stared Miss Universe Thailand 2022 and other wonderful models, but also amputees supported by the Prostheses Foundation who were dressed by the Thai fashion house Voravaj Bangkok. Music and performances completed the program of this evening which was truly memorable.Be welcome to view some of the videos of the event in the Youtube section of our website.
The WALK! Exhibition.
In the morning of the 19th of January 2023, Princess Lea of Belgium and Prince (Mom Chao) Chalermsuk Yugala officially opened the WALK! Exhibition at the 4th floor of Central Embassy.This exhibition was the result of a collaboration between the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Siammanukulkij Foundation, the Prostheses Foundation of H.R.H. the Princess Mother, and the Thai fashion house Voravaj Bangkok.Oversized photographs of amputee models dressed by Voravaj Bangkok were exhibited. But while the amputees may have looked glamorous in the exhibition, this heart-warming event was not only about fashion. Most importantly, it was a tribute to those who devote their life to help others at the Prostheses Foundation, and to the tenacity and good spirit of the amputees who must overcome very difficult times. The message that this exhibition wanted to share is that: With help and moral support, with courage and the will to overcome adversity, and with the correct medical assistance, amputees can not only regain a normal life, but they also reach their dreams…
A conference about Chao Phya Abhai Raja & Unheard Stories of Lady Abhai Raja and her Daughters’ Siamese Life.
This conference was organized in partnership with the Law Faculty of Thammasat University, and took place at The Oriental Bangkok. The program was highly interesting and offered the guests new insights of the work and life of Chao Phya Abhai Raja Gustave Rolin-Jaequemyns, General Advisor to King Rama V, and his family in Siam. The venue for this conference had not been chosen by coincidence.Indeed, on the 27th of September 1892, when Gustave Rolin-Jaequemyns disembarked from the boat that brought him to Bangkok, he went straight to The Oriental. From there he immediately sent a message to Prince Damrong to report for duty. The choice of the Chao Phya room of The Oriental for this event thus brought the guests back in time.The first part of the conference commemorated the work and achievements of Chao Phya Abhai Raja in Siam, with a talk by Mr. Slaikate Wattanapan, Chief Justice and ex-President of the Supreme Court. The second part was presented by Mrs. Veronique Godding, a great-great granddaughter of Chao Phya Abhai Raja and Lady Abhai Raja. For several years Mrs. Veronique made research about her ancestors and gathered lots of information from the family archives. During her talk she shared with the audience stories yet unheard about their life in Siam.
Piano recital at the Assumption University of Thailand.
The private visit of Princess Lea to Thailand will included diverse activities, all organized by the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Siammanukulkij Foundation and its friends and partners.These activities included a piano recital by the two Thai laureates of the 2022 International Mozart Competition. This recital took place at the St. Louis Marie de Montfort’s Chapel of the Suvarnabhumi campus of the Assumption University of Thailand.Once again, the choice of the venue was not a coincidence. Indeed, there is a strong historical link between Belgium and the university, which late Queen Fabiola visited on two occasions in the past. An interesting anecdote is that the chandeliers of the chapel were sent to the university by the Queen of the Belgians herself. After the recital, Princess Lea had the opportunity to visit the campus with its President, Rev. Brother Bancha Saenghiran, and to meet and discuss with Thai and international students.
The statue of H.M. Queen Fabiola of Belgium.
In 2022 the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Foundation commissioned a new statue of Her Majesty Queen Fabiola of Belgium, who was very fond of Thailand.
The statue was created by Thai artist Therdkongtong Tortid and is made of bronze in three copies. There relations between Thailand and Belgium have always been friendly, and especially between the two royal families. For this reason, the first statue was offered to H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn during an audience granted to the board of the Foundation at Dusit Palace in Bangkok, on the 31st of May 2022.
Another statue will be placed at The Assumption University of Thailand, which Queen Fabiola visited on two occasions. The third statue will be kept by the Foundation.
An album retracing 15 years of the Foundation's activities.
On the 1st of December 2021, the new book about the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Foundation was presented during an afternoon tea at Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, in the presence of H.S.H. Prince Chalermsuk Yugala. The book retraces 15 years of successful activities of the Foundation, with hundreds of pictures of its events, and shorts texts and memories which have been written by over one hundred contributors. This unique book is not for sale. It will be distributed as a gift from the Foundation.
If you would like to receive a complementary copy of the book, please send us a message with your contact details. We only send book to addresses in Thailand.
Find more pictures on the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Foundation Facebook page.
Donation of 300,000b to the Kamlangjai Project.
On the 28th of October 2021, members of the board of the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Foundation made a donation of 300,000b to the Kamlangjai (Inspire) project under the royal initiative of HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha.The donation was handed over at the Ministry of Justice by Count Gerald van der Straten Ponthoz, Chairman, M.R. Priyanandana Rangsit, Vice-Chairman, Khun Tuenjai Sinthuvnik, and Dr. Jintanant Chaya Subhamitr.The donation was officially received by Air Marshal Somkid Sukbang, representative of HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, Distinguished Professor Wisit Wisitsora-at, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, and Mrs. Jirapha Sinthunawa, the Inspector of the Ministry of Justice.
The new statue of Chao Phya Abhai Raja.
In 2020, the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Foundation has commissioned a very talented Thai artist, Khun Therdkongton Tortid, to create a new statue of Chao Phya Abhai Raja Gustave Rolin-Jaequemyns wearing his grand uniform. Early 2021, once the work of the artist was completed, the statue was reproduced in 7 copies made of bronze. The copies have since been donated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, the Thammasat and Assumption universities, the Embassy of Belgium in Bangkok, and the Thai Bar Association under Royal Patronage. Two copies have been kept by the Foundation to be displayed in Chiangrai and Bangkok. The statue will be one more way to remember the work and achievements of Chao Phya Abhai Raja, General Advisor of HM King Rama V.
Donations by the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Foundation in 2021.
In 2021 donations totaling over a million bath were made by the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Foundation to worthwhile projects. 500,000b was donated to the Maharat Hospital of Chiangmai to buy special equipment. 200,000b was donated for scholarships, which will be awarded this year by the Association of the Prosecutors Wives of Thailand. 120,000b was donated for two projects of the Rotary Club of Maechan. 100,000b was donated for an artistic projects helping autistic youngsters. 150,000b was donated to provide assistance in three villages of the Maechan district, Thammajarik, Hua Jo, and Jo Paka. The Foundation will also donate 300,000b to the Kamlangjai Project (Inspire) of HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha at a later date in the year due to the Covid restrictions.
The Create, Innovate & Recycle Paper Art Exhibition.
The Create, Innovate & Recycle Paper Art Exhibition was a project actively supported by the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Foundation, but initiated by Raksit Boonnark, a student who we awarded a university scholarship. All together, 19 artists participated to this exhibition by displaying art pieces all made of paper and carton. Besides the art itself, the exhibition aimed at sending a strong message to the visitors about the importance of recycling and preserving the environment. Opened during the Covid pandemic which affected countless people in Thailand, the artists also wanted to help the society and created artistic face masks made of paper. The masks were all sold, with the proceeds of the sale being entirely donated to the Thai Red Cross Society. The guests of honor on the day of the opening ceremony was HSH Prince Chalermsuk Yugala, with M.R. Priyanandana Rangsit officially opening the exhibition.
Covid19 relief activities.
With so many people affected by the Covid 19 pandemic and the economic downturn, the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Foundation decided not only to help other projects and foundations, but also initiate its own projects. Together with Khun La Ong Tiyapairat, Member of Parliament for Chiangrai, we have identified some of those who were in the most difficult situation in the districts of Maechan and Mae fah Luang of the Chiangrai province. By joining hands with Khun La Ong, the team of the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Foundation was able to help thousands of villagers with bags of rice, face masks, and cash relief of 500b per person.
The Simply Exceptional Gala Dinner.
The Simply Exceptional Gala Dinner, organized and hosted by the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Foundation, aimed at honoring three countries, Lesotho, Thailand, and Belgium, through their diamond and jewelry industries. This highly glamorous event was presided over by Their Majesties King Letsie and Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso of Lesotho, HRH Princess Lea of Belgium, and ML Sarali Kitiyakara, representing HRH Princess Soamsawali Krom Muen Suddhanarinatha. The evening was also enhanced by the presence of HRH Princess Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck of Bhutan, HRH Tunku Naquiyuddin of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, the Grand Duke George Michailovich of Russia, and Their Serene Highnesses Prince Chalermsuk and Prince Nawaphansa Yugala.
The second visit of H.R.H. Princess Lea of Belgium to Thailand.
In 2019 the Chao Phya Abhai Raja was honored to host HRH Princess Lea of Belgium for her second visit to Thailand. Besides attending the Simply Exceptional Gala Dinner, the Foundation had organized a full program for the Princess, which involved activities in Bangkok, but also in the Nan, Chiangrai, and Ayutthaya provinces.
Find more pictures on the Simply Exceptional 2019 Facebook page, on the Thai-Belgian Friendship 150 Years Facebook page, and the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Foundation Facebook page.
2008 - 2018 2019 - 2024 2025 - today
