LATEST NEWS
(For the latest updates, please visit the Foundation's Facebook page)
A Royal Gift for Thai Children with Special Needs,
Symbolizing Friendship and Care of a Princess of Belgium towards Thailand.
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.
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:
- To preserve the memory of the work and achievements of Chao Phya Abhai Raja in Siam.
- To help the society.
- To contribute to friendship between the Thai society and other societies in good relations with the Chao Phya Abhai Raja Foundation.
The other points on the agenda included a review of the accounts, discussions about the past and future projects, and some general administration matters.
The meeting was attended by:
- Count Gerald van der Straten Ponthoz, Président.
- M.R. Priyanandana Rangsit, Vice-President.
- Khun Tuenjai Sinthuvnik, board member.
- Khun Pariwat Bumroongdham, board member.
- Khun Kongpetch Santisuphaporn, board member.
- Dr. Jaruwaree Snitwongse Na Ayuthaya, board member.
- Khun Kulachad Kukaewkasen, board member.
- Mr. Philip Coates, board member (attending via Zoom).
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.
