our impact

How We Work

Imagine Thailand operates at the intersection of leading universities, progressive businesses and those at risk in poor and marginalized communities. We focus on making strategic investments that empower individuals with the tools necessary to bring about beneficial transformation in local communities, the marketplace and the world. We’re not about handouts; we believe in equipping people to make lasting changes.

Where we work

Imagine Thailand is actively engaged in four locations across Thailand; Takuapa, Bangkok, Mae Sot, and Hat Yai.

In Takua Pa, our Lighthouse Learning Centre continues to serve as an after-school centre for children in the local community. Established in response to the 2004 tsunami, the centre provides educational resources and a safe space where children can thrive. Over the years, the centre has evolved to meet the changing needs of the community.

Since 2016, we have expanded our impact by installing clean drinking water systems throughout Phang Nga province and resourcing hospitals with essential supplies, thanks to funding from local partners. In 2016, we also launched a Saturday morning children's program for kids in the community. In 2024, we further extended our outreach by launching a youth program at the Lighthouse Learning Centre and began supporting a migrant children's home in Ranong province.

In Bangkok, Imagine Thailand partners with Entrance Coffeehouse & Studio, near Chulalongkorn University’s campus. We aim to create a strong community of students through weekly English Corners, games, and activity nights that allow university students to gather, practice their English, and discover community. Our Be Our Guest trips provide Thai students with opportunities to volunteer in underserved communities, working alongside Canadian students in various educational and community service projects.

SYNG (Samyan NewGen) was launched in 2020 as an education initiative that connects university students with underprivileged children in the Samyan area of Bangkok. The volunteer base for SYNG has grown from 8 per term to over 40, with three 10-week terms each year, engaging over 100 volunteers annually. The program has significantly expanded, offering classes in Math, Thai, and English, while also organizing Saturday sports sessions and summer science classes, further enriching the lives of children in the Samyan community.

Mae Sot, a frontier town along the Thai-Myanmar border, continues to face challenges due to its proximity to the world’s oldest refugee camps and ongoing migration issues. Imagine Thailand remains deeply involved with Burmese migrant schools in the area. The Clean Water Project, launched in 2008, has expanded to provide sustainable access to clean water for over 100 communities, along with training to ensure the maintenance of these systems.

In recent years, Imagine Thailand has also distributed essential resources such as soy milk, hygiene supplies, and educational materials. In response to the worsening situation in Myanmar, the team has provided emergency food supplies and mosquito nets to refugees fleeing the conflict.

In Hat Yai, Imagine Thailand partners with Sela Center Project, near Prince of Songkla University’s campus. Our work focuses on creating a mentally, spiritually, and relationally strong community of students. Weekly English Clubs, baking classes, and other activities offer students the chance to practice English and build community. Since 2018, the Hat Yai team has expanded its outreach by hosting leadership camps at the Faculty of Pharmacy at PSU, as well as high school leadership camps.

In addition to our weekly activities, we offer university students opportunities to serve by teaching English to under-resourced children throughout Hat Yai. Our team also leads ESL camps at local schools, providing students with valuable leadership experience and expanding their impact in the community.

history

The tsunami on December 26, 2004, served as the catalyst for the founding of Imagine Thailand. Founders Peter and Cavelle Dove, along with National Director Pacharawan Naawaroongiran, began serving local communities in Phang Nga, initially in a relief capacity and later in development. Their vision led to the establishment of Imagine Thailand Foundation, which has since grown into a multi-faceted organization impacting communities across Thailand.

2004 - Present

YEAR by YEAR GROWTH

2004: The tsunami devastates Thailand’s southern coast. Our founders respond to the immense needs and begin relief efforts.

2005: The Lighthouse Learning Centre opens in Takua Pa to provide educational support.

2007: The first Leadership Camp for university students is held.

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

2008: Passport Cafe opens as a third space for university students, and the Clean Water Project begins with its first installation at Nam Tok migrant school.

2011: Imagine Thailand gains foundation status. 

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

2012: Partnership transforms Passport Cafe into Entrance Coffeehouse and Studio, and the team expands to Hat Yai for leadership development initiatives.

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

2016: Launch of Saturday morning children's program in Takua Pa and installation of clean drinking water systems in Phang Nga province.

2017: Official name change to Imagine Thailand Foundation; expansion of the Lighthouse Learning Centre with three modified shipping containers.

2018: Zachary Wylie succeeds Peter Dove as Executive Director, providing leadership for a talented team of Thai and international leaders.

2020: SYNG (Samyan NewGen) is launched in Bangkok, growing rapidly to over 100 volunteers annually.

2022: Significant growth in community engagement in Hat Yai, including leadership camps and expanded student activities despite local challenges.

2023: Continued expansion in all locations, including new water systems in Takua Pa, emergency relief in Mae Sot, and increased volunteer engagement in Bangkok. The launch of the youth program in Takua Pa and support for a migrant children's home in Ranong province marks further growth.

Imagine Thailand remains dedicated to building strong communities through education, leadership development, and holistic community engagement. We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners, donors, and volunteers who continue to support our mission.