10 Years of Change: The Past, Present, and Future of Teach For Thailand
Teach For Thailand (TFT) commemorates its 10-year milestone with the '10 Years of Change #WeavingTheFuture' event, bringing together Fellows, alumni, donors, CEOs, staff, and distinguished guests who have been part of its remarkable journey. Despite the challenges, Teach For Thailand continues to forge ahead, guided by the steadfast support of all involved.
The event featured numerous memorable moments, including a special performance by Chitjaichuen School, Prachin Buri, directed by Peerakarn Prasittinawa (Sanook) Fellow cohort 9. Vichien Pongsathorn, president of the Yuvabadhana Foundation, delivered an inspiring speech about connecting dreams, hopes, and opportunities. A panel discussion with Sorawit Paiboonrattanakorn, alumni cohort 1, and Dr. Kaanwarin Polanunt, the first Thai citizen to join Teach For America, provided valuable insights. Guests also enjoyed speeches from Yutthakrit Chalermthai, the Teach For Thailand Alumni Board president, and Vichitapol Pholpoke, CEO of Teach For Thailand. The event concluded with a beautiful song performed by singer Nop Ponchamni.
This is our past, present, and future, weaved together by everyone.
The past: going forward despite pushbacks
One could say that Teach For Thailand originated from facing setbacks. Vichitapol Pholpoke (Ta), the founder and CEO, was studying in America and aspired to work with Teach For America after graduation. However, this dream was hampered by various circumstances. Driven by his belief in human potential, Ta envisioned creating an entirely new organization, which is the Teach For Thailand we see today.
For those working behind the scenes, the challenge was indeed formidable. The first time Assoc. Prof. Ladda Pukiat pitched the project to donors, she faced a request to guarantee changes in schools and teachers in Bangkok within a year. The reality that changes would not happen quickly reflects Teach For Thailand’s challenge since its establishment. As Pichayut Jirapinyo (Petch), former head of the Talent Acquisition team, remarked, ‘Back in 2013, they said we couldn’t establish this type of organization in Thailand. Newly grads with that much salary wouldn’t care for a position like this.’ Approaching 50 people often resulted in 40 rejections; however, this was far from discouraging for us.
We believe in possibilities, human potential, and our tools, and we have utilized these components to propel the organization forward.
Present: incubation for Changemakers for Education
Over the past 10 years, we have collaborated with 106 schools nationwide, spanning more than 21 provinces. Our Leadership Fellows have taught over 120,000 students. It can be said that we have expanded our impact from within the classroom to the community, and importantly, we have achieved real systemic changes in Thai education. Over 50% of our alumni continue to work within the education system, particularly in the realms of education policy, educational innovation, and school leadership.
Amornrat Srihapanya (Som), alumni of Cohort 1 who decided to continue working as a teacher within the system, stated, “Bringing about systemic change is challenging, even within the smallest systems. We must introspect as individuals engaged in the work, identify a specific issue for transformation, and seek support from others, whether they are colleagues or superiors, to collectively drive this change.
Teach For Thailand continues to serve as a hub and network for individuals passionate in improving Thai education, especially its 294 alumni who sustain their collaboration, ensuring that no one undertakes this transformation in isolation. Several alumni have established their educational organizations, exemplified by Sorawit Paiboonrattanakorn (Giraffe) from Cohort 1, who founded the Saturday School Foundation, dedicated to supporting education beyond the traditional classroom.
Our future: weaving the future for Thai children, thriving toward true equality
The true essence of “Fulfilling Education, Weaving the Future” is encapsulated in the words of an alumni Cohort 8’s Thirdsak Kajornboon (Coke):
“We ‘fulfill’ our potential and our duty. We might just be a small dot, but when connected, the big picture becomes complete.”
“I am proud, and I want to become better for other Fellows and the organization. I want others to know of TFT’s potential to cultivate skills that can never be found elsewhere – it dares to think, dream, and believe in possibilities. I am proud of that.”
Pundaryn Srijan (Per), alumni of Cohort 2, said, “We fulfill the gaps in the meaning of education, what it means for our lives, to weave its future. So the children can have more choices in the long run.”
We always look towards the future and are determined that by 2026, we will have 300 Fellows, reach 250,000 students and 175 schools.
This goal will only be possible through collaboration from all sides. Thank you for believing in our mission over the past 10 years, and thank you for continuing on this journey towards educational equality with us.
