our impact

How We Work

Imagine Thailand works in the crossroads between leading universities, progressive businesses and those at risk in poor and marginalized communities. We're not about handouts. We're about making strategic investments that empower people with the tools needed to bring about beneficial transformation in local communities, the marketplace and the world.

Where we work

Imagine Thailand is currently engaged in 4 locations throughout Thailand; Takuapa, Bangkok, Mae Sot,  and Hat Yai.

In Takua Pa, our Lighthouse Learning Centre (pictured above) is an after school centre for kids from the local community.  Takua Pa was one of the communities devastated by the 2004 Tsunami and educational support was an expressed need from the provincial government.  Imagine Thailand engaged during the initial days and the Lighthouse Learning Centre has evolved with the community.  We are creating a strong community through building the next generation - providing them with educational resources and providing them a safe place in which to thrive.

In Bangkok,  Imagine Thailand partners with Entrance Coffeehouse & Studio, near Chulalongkorn University's Campus.  We desire to create a strong community of students.  Weekly English Corners and games and activity nights allow university students to gather, practice their English and discover community. Thai students are also provided the opportunity to volunteer as part of our Be our Guest trips.  Alongside groups of Canadian students, the Thai students travel to communities of need to serve as translator assistants during English camps, run Thai camps for migrant children, or engage with hands on work projects. We believe there is great value in engaging with communities outside of your own. 

Mae Sot, a frontier town along the Thai-Myanmar border, faces many challenges.  The world's oldest refugee camps and the impact of migration issues create unique challenges in the region.  Imagine Thailand works primarily with the Burmese Migrant Schools in the surrounding area.  Years ago, our founders visited the schools and discovered the kids were getting sick from using unclean water or the school was using a huge portion of their budget to try and provide clean water.  Imagine Thailand got involved and we have since provided sustainable access to clean water for over 100 communities. The Clean Water Project not only provides a filtration system, but training to ensure each site knows how to use and maintain their system. 

Imagine Thailand also is engaged in providing educational resources for the schools who face very limited budgets through our Teacher Resource Kits. Nutritional support and hygiene supplies are also key areas of focus. 

In Hat Yai,Imagine Thailand partners with Sela English Center, near Prince of Songkla University's campus. We desire to create a strong community of students - mentally, spiritually and relationally.  Weekly English Corners, baking classes, games and activity nights allow university students to gather - practice their English and discover community.   Thai Students are also provided the opportunity to volunteer as Be our Guest trips.  Alongside groups of Canadian students the Thai students serve as translator assistants during English camps in local elementary schools.

history

The Tsunami on December 26, 2004 served as the impetus for the foundation of Imagine Thailand.  Founders, Peter & Cavelle Dove and National Director, Pacharawan Naawaroongiran, began serving the local communities in Phang nga, Thailand first in a relief capacity and later in development and dreamed of the impact that a foundation like Imagine Thailand might have on local communities.

In 2018, Zachary Wylie began serving as the Executive Director of Imagine Thailand Foundation.  Providing leadership for a team of talented and passionate Thai and international leaders.

2004 - 2018

YEAR by YEAR GROWTH

2004: communities along Thailand's southern coast are devastated by the tsunami. Our founders respond to the immense needs and help with the relief efforts. 

2005: we open the Lighthouse Learning Centre in Takua Pa to help with education in the wake of the tsunami. 

2007: we run our first Leadership Camp for university students. 

2008: we open the Passport Cafe as a third space for university students. 

2008: we launch The Clean Water Project in Mae Sot and install our first water filtration system at Nam Tok (Waterfall) migrant school. 

2011: Imagine Thailand gains foundation status. 

2012: we enter into a partnership which transforms Passport Cafe into Entrance Coffeehouse and Studio. 

2012: Imagine Thailand team members move to Hat Yai to begin leadership development initiatives with university students. 

2014: the Lighthouse Learning Centre moves to it's current location. 

2017: though operating under the name Imagine Thailand, we were registered as Emergency Response and Development Overseas (ERDO) Thailand. We completed our name change with the Thai government to officially be called Imagine Thailand Foundation. 

2017: to meet growing demand, we expand the Lighthouse Learning Centre with 3 modified shipping containers to serve as classrooms. 

2018: Zachary Wylie succeeds Peter Dove as our Executive Director.