History

 

SOS Children's Villages Thailand is a member of SOS Children's Villages International, which has members in more than 130 countries around the world.

Founded in 1971 by Thanpuying Somsri Charoen-Rajapark, together with Thanpuying Sumalee Chaikavanich, SOS Thailand adopted the model used by Dr. Hermann Gmeiner when he founded SOS Children's Villages International In an SOS Children Village, children are raised in family units composed of a trained and dedicated SOS mother together with a few other children in our care who become “siblings”, thereby giving them a sense of belonging and security.  This model is the global standard for every SOS Children’s Village.

The first SOS Children’s Villages Thailand was built in Bangpoo, Samut Prakan, on 4 acres of land donated by Thanpuying Somsri. In 1976, it received the honor of becoming one of the royal patronages of Her Majesty the Queen Sirikit, who is now HM The Queen Mother.

SOS Children's Villages International


The first SOS Children’s Villages International was founded in 1949 in Imst , Austria by Dr. Hermann Gmeiner.  While on a trip there, Prof. Dr. Charoen and Thanpuying Somsri Charoen-Rajapark visited this Village and were very impressed by the way it was operated and the concept behind the care given to these disadvantaged children.  This inspired them to establish the first SOS Thailand Village.  Currently, Mr. Helmut Kutin is the honorary president and Dr.Dereje Wordofa is the current president of SOS Children's Villages International

Founder of SOS Children's Villages International Organization and Children at SOS Children's Village, Bangpoo

Mr. Helmut Kutin, the current honorary president with children at SOS Children's Village, Hat Yai

Dr.Dereje Wordofa
President of SOS Children's Villages International