Amid the widespread flooding that has affected countless families in Senna District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, many individuals have stepped forward to support those in need. One of them is Ms. Patcharee Pisdoung, affectionately known as “Kung,” a 35-year-old volunteer with the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, who was once a sponsored child under the Child Sponsorship Programme of World Vision Foundation of Thailand (WVFT).
Today, Kung has been volunteering with the Poh Teck Tung Foundation for over three years, helping people affected by disasters and hardship in various communities. This year marks her fourth visit to Senna District to support flood-affected families.
“The first time, we brought drinking water. On later visits, we distributed dry food, rice, and other essential supplies. Today, we’re helping prepare and distribute meal boxes directly to community members,” she shared.
The Beginning of a Heart for Service
Kung’s journey as a volunteer began when she had the opportunity to assist flood-affected communities as a member of the public and witnessed people’s struggles firsthand.
“Many people don’t know where to turn for help. Because we are local people ourselves, it’s easier for us to connect, communicate, and coordinate with them. That made me want to become part of the response effort in a more meaningful way.”
Through her volunteer work, she has repeatedly witnessed the devastating impacts of flooding on families, particularly older people, bedridden patients, and vulnerable households facing significant challenges in their daily lives.
“Many families had to move their belongings upstairs, even though they had never needed to do that before. The water rose very quickly. What people need most are food, drinking water, medicines, and support for bedridden family members.”
Help Arriving at a Critical Moment
One of the experiences that remains deeply etched in her memory involved helping evacuate a family as floodwaters rapidly rose around their home.
“When we arrived, the water was only knee-deep. But by the time we had helped the parents, relatives, as well as their dogs and cats get out safely, the water had risen dramatically. The homeowner was crying with relief because they feared their family members and pets wouldn’t be able to escape.”
The experience reinforced for her the importance of reaching communities quickly during emergencies and strengthened her commitment to continuing her volunteer work.
Memories of a Little Girl from Trang
Long before becoming someone who serves others, Kung was a young girl growing up in Wang Wiset District, Trang Province. Her family earned a modest living through rubber tapping, and financial resources were limited.
At around seven years old, she became part of World Vision Foundation of Thailand’s Child Sponsorship Programme, which helped provide educational support, school supplies, uniforms, shoes, school bags, and opportunities to participate in community-based child development activities.
“I was so happy. I had never had a brand-new school bag or a new pair of school shoes like my friends. When I received them, I was so excited that I showed them off to my classmates.”
For a child growing up amidst economic hardship, these items may have seemed small to others, but they became a source of encouragement and a reminder that she, too, deserved opportunities like other children.
“Life was very difficult back then. My family worked as rubber tappers. Getting a new pair of shoes, a new school bag, or a new school uniform wasn’t easy at all.”
More than two decades later, the opportunities and care she received continue to hold a special place in her heart.
Reconnecting with World Vision Foundation of Thailand
After leaving her hometown and spending many years living in Bangkok, Kung never imagined she would encounter World Vision Foundation of Thailand again until she joined a flood response mission in Ayutthaya.
At the same time, WVFT was implementing its Thailand Flood Response 2026 Project, providing relief assistance and essential supplies to families affected by flooding.
Seeing the organization’s name on staff uniforms instantly brought back childhood memories.
“As soon as I saw the World Vision Foundation of Thailand logo on a staff member’s shirt, I immediately told my partner, ‘This is the foundation that supported me when I was a child.’”
Meeting the organization that had once stood alongside her during her childhood, while now serving others herself, was a profoundly meaningful experience.
“It felt like meeting a benefactor again. Even though I never personally knew the people who supported me, what I received as a child meant so much.”
She was also deeply impressed to see that WVFT’s work extends beyond education and child development, reaching communities in need during times of disaster and emergency.
When Yesterday’s Opportunity Becomes Today’s Strength
For Kung, supporting a child may seem like a small act to some people. Yet for a child growing up in difficult circumstances, such opportunities can transform the course of a life.
Today, she is no longer the little girl waiting for help. Instead, she has become an adult ready to extend a helping hand to those facing hardship.
“In the past, I was the one receiving support. Today, I have the opportunity to be part of giving back and helping others alongside many different organizations. That makes me very happy.”
The Enduring Power of Giving
Before concluding the conversation, Kung shared a message for child sponsors and generous supporters who have invested in the lives of children through World Vision Foundation of Thailand.
“Thank you for seeing the struggles of a child. Thank you for giving that child opportunities, school supplies, and the things they needed in life. Those gifts mean so much more than people may realize.”
Patcharee’s story is a beautiful reflection of the power of giving. The opportunities a child receives today can grow into inspiration that empowers them to become a source of hope, compassion, and support for others in the future.
Like that little girl from Trang Province years ago, she now uses her own hands to help people through times of crisis. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that:
“When a child is given an opportunity, they can grow up to create opportunities for others.”
