A Sustained Involvement

Global Playground has worked in Thailand since 2010. With a total investment of $35,385, Global Playground has partnered with NGO partners and communities in the Mae Hong Son province on four educational infrastructure projects at three schools, benefitting at least 520 students every year. In Thailand, Global Playground has prioritized projects at schools that support students from ethnic minorities, or “hill tribes”, who have historically been in under-resourced communities. Learn more about our four projects in Thailand below.

A Library at Huay Pung Mai School

In 2009, Global Playground partnered with the Samsara Foundation for its first project in Thailand — the construction of a new library for Huay Puung Mai School in the Mae Hong Son province of Northern Thailand.

Samsara, a local NGO based in Chiang Mai, previously worked with the Thai Ministry of Education and local communities in Northern Thailand to install new water purification systems at schools in the region and to build canteens, dormitories, and libraries.

The Huay Puung Mai School is located about two and half hours outside of the provincial capital of Mae Sariang and provides education from kindergarten to grade 9.

Currently, the school serves a student body of approximately 200 individuals coming from Huay Puung Mai and villages in the surrounding area. Because some students’ homes are in very remote areas, around 40 students live in dormitories on campus and the library functions as a main study area for these young learners. The cost of the library was $13,385, which included the following: a new building, 10 tables with accompanying benches, four large bookshelves, and educational books.

A Water Pump for a Primary School in Thailand

In 2021, Global Playground contributed $3,500 in funding to Huay Pung Mai School for the installment of a renovated water pump system and purchase of two pick-up truck covers to protect students from the rain during their transport to and from school.

In 2009, Global Playground provided $13,385 in funding for a library at Huay Pung Mai School. In 2021, Global Playground is proud to fund another project in this community. Global Playground has provided $3,500 in funding to Huay Pung Mai School for a renovated water pump system and two pick-up truck covers to protect students from the rain during their transport to and from school.

The funding enables the principal and 20 teachers to install a new water pump and 300 meters of pipes to provide students with a more reliable source of water. This new water system will counter the effects of a recent drought in the area, which has left the school almost without water. 

Huay Pung Mai School instructs about 200 Karen and Hmong students in grades K-9. Some students travel as much as seven miles from poor surrounding villages to attend class. In addition, the school offers dormitories that house 60 students during the week and provides agricultural instruction that empowers students to farm, fish, and grow vegetables to use for daily meals. The school’s efforts to reach its students have had marked effects on the children: nearly all of the students who attend Huay Pung Mai School continue their education beyond ninth grade at another school such as Mae La Noi Daroonsik School.

Funding for Sustainable Energy, Technology, and Community-Driven Learning

Global Playground has provided $18,500 to fund solar energy and computers at the Ban Tha Ta Fang School in the Mae Hong Son province of Thailand.

Global Playground has provided $18,500 to fund solar energy and computers at the Ban Tha Ta Fang School in the Mae Hong Son province of Thailand. This sustainable development project, led by members of the community, will create a renewable source of energy to support a marginalized community of Karen people that is experiencing increased educational inequity due to a lack of access to technology and reliable Internet. Moreover, the funding will ensure that the school, which is located in a region that experiences only about 12 hours of daylight year-round, can enjoy consistent lighting.

The Ban Tha Ta Fang project will replace the school’s existing generator, which only produces about 5kw/hr. Ban Tha Ta Fang School will collaborate with the Thai solar company Tamtawan Energy to train students in installing and maintaining the solar cell system. In addition, 12 new laptops will supplement the school’s current supply of computers.

The school is situated along the Burmese border adjacent to Salawin National Park, approximately three hours’ drive from Mae Sariang, where the nearest high school is located. Sixteen teachers instruct 121 students in grades K-6. After instructional hours, the Ban Tha Ta Fang School provides a space for community members to hold business meetings. Gaining consistent access to electricity will empower both students of the school and members of the surrounding community, improving learning outcomes and quality of life. 

Renovations for a Primary School in Thailand

In 2021, Global Playground provided $4,600 for a new roof and electrical wiring system for the Ban Mae Pang School in Ban Mae Pang, Mae Hong Son, Thailand.

In 2021, Global Playground provided $4,600 for renovations for the Ban Mae Pang School in Ban Mae Pang, Mae Hong Son, Thailand. These updates include the construction of a new roof, which replaces the existing old tin roof that was constructed for the wooden building in 1976, and an improved electrical wiring system, which will enable the students and teachers to use the facility more safely. 

Currently, the Ban Mae Pang School serves 59 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Eight teachers provide instruction in four classrooms. This project is Global Playground’s second project in Thailand.

The State of Education

Under the new Constitution of 1997, Thai law guarantees a free, basic education to all Thai citizens. According to this law, a basic education consists of six years of primary schooling and six additional years of secondary education. In 2002, an amendment was added guaranteeing two years of free preschool education. Thailand is fortunate enough to be well-developed and stable with 22.3% of its national budget spent on education, a very high percentage compared to its neighboring states (1).

Although Thailand has made great strides, many students are still not receiving the education they were promised. According to UNICEF, only 75% of students are entering primary school. On top of that, about one million children are classified as “at-risk” and face a high likelihood of being exploited by child traffickers or being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS (2).

Despite natural disasters, financial setbacks, and recent political upheaval, Thailand has managed to enjoy a high degree of stability and economic prosperity. Unfortunately, much of Thailand is still underdeveloped—making access to education difficult, especially in the northern and eastern regions. These regions are populated by marginalized groups like refugees, subsistence farmers, and other ethnic minorities creating distinct economic inequalities. With education, as well as improved infrastructure, these regions would be able to better combat poverty, child trafficking, and the spread of diseases.

1. Clark, Nick. “Education in Thailand.” World Education News & Reviews. March 3, 2014. Accessed April 11, 2016.

2. “Education.” UNICEF Thailand. Accessed April 11, 2016.

Thailand is called “The Land of the Smiles.”