The Foundation for Life Development under the Patronage of H.R.H. Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra was established on 14 December 1995 by a group of senior public sector officials and high-ranking private sector administration officers who have successfully promoted charitable causes to improve the health status of Thai people. The key NGOs, among others, has been “The Princess Mother’s Mobile Medical Volunteer Foundation” and “The Association of Family Planning of Thailand” (under the Queen Mother’s Royal Patronage) Over the past two decades the number of elderly people living in Thailand has dramatically increased due to the many advancements made in medical technology as well as the success of public health programmes. This has resulted in improved health and greater longevity among that segment of the Thai population over 60 years of age.
Thailand’s current annual birth rate is approximately 1.2% whereas the annual increase in the number of elderly people nationwide is about 6% or about 5 times that of the annual birth rate.
The Foundation for Life Development was established to promote effective self-care for the physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being of the elderly so that they can live a meaningful, dignified, and productive life, as well as pass on their valuable knowledge and experiences, including Thai culture and traditions, to the next generation.
The main objectives of The Foundation for Life Development, under the Patronage of H.R.H.Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra, are as follows:
The late H.R.H. Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra graciously placed The Foundation for Life Development (or Munithi Chewitpattana) under her patronage in December 1995. For 11 years, as a patron of the foundation, she constantly gave her advice and moral support to the foundation’s members and actively participated in many foundation sponsored activities.
The Foundation for Life Development has, up until now, conducted 10 major programmes aimed at promoting the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of the Thai elderly population. These programmes include Dhamanamai or the Buddhism Spiritual Health Club, the Ty Chi Club, and the Yoga Club. The foundation has also received support from numerous government and private agencies such as the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), The Government Lottery Office, The Royal Turf Club of Thailand, The Sports Club, and the Siam Cement Public Company Limited.
One of its show-piece programmes was an exhibition organized to celebrate the 84th birthday anniversary of H.R.H. Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra, under the theme “Time Is Beyond Price”. The exhibition features H.R.H. Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra as a role model in the effective utilization of time available for constructive and charitable purposes exemplified by the way in which she carried out her royal duties and activities. The exhibition aimed to raise awareness among Thai people about the importance of using one’s time for productive purposes or pursuits.
The foundation established “The Quality of Life Development Center” in celebration of H.R.H. Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra 80th birthday anniversary. The center serves as a venue for many activities within the overall structure of the foundation.
The center also contains a “Health Botanical Garden” for the elderly and general public where they can perform different types of physical, mental, and spiritual exercises, such as Yoga or Ty Chi, under the supervision of trained instructors.
The foundation, in collaboration with the Association of Thai Traditional Medicine, has provided traditional Thai medical care for the elderly. Other programmes include the following: