Many children are lost, but fortunately, there is hope for some.

Although the problem of abandoned infants defies any easy solution, the Chaiyapruk Foundation strives to offer the change fo life to as many as it can.

Established in 1985, the Chaiyapruk Foundation is the creation of Dr. Cleopandh Soorapanthu and her husband, Dr. Somsak Somsugdi. Returning to Thailand after 20 years of successful medical practice in Germany, the physician couple were appalled to find just how extensive the problem was of abandoned children ... left on doorsteps or in garbage bines, babies born in prison to drug-addicted mothers, or those given up by mothers unwilling or unable to cope.

Caring deeply, and determined to help, Dr. Sooranpanthu and Dr. Somsugdi, assisted by Christian missionary, Arthur Lynch, first openend an orphanage in Chaiyapruk Lane, off Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok. Chaiyapruk translates as "Victory Tree"; the house was named Chaiyapruk Family Home.

Quickly the house became alive with 20 orphans; no longer did it seem big enough. Space for more children was needed. During the next six years, the Foundation was relocated five times. With the number of children increasing to 34, overcrowding became a problem.

A miracle was needed; a miracle occurred! Dr. Soorapanthu discovered that her great-great-grandparents, also Christians, had willed a 160,000 square meter plot of land in the province of Nakhon Nayok, 50 kilometers outside of Bangkok, to be used exclusively for the services of God. The family was consulted, and it was agreed that the land should be used for the orphanage.

Today, the Chaiyapruk Foundation occupies a three-house complex in Nakhon Nayok, providing a permanent home for abandoned children. It offers not only a place of refuge, but also a place called home, where they can grow up happily, healthily, and return to ... always.

It is due to the very generous contributions by organizations abroad as well as local sponsors that the orphanage has been able to sustain itself and grow to this point. The dedication and hard work of Cleopandh and Somsak has, and continues to be the inspiration for Chaiyapruk.

Over a decade in Nakhon Nayok, the orphanage continues to grow. Many young children have grown into teenagers in this loving and supportive environment. However, love and care are not enough to sustain the expenses required to operate the Foundation. Donations are essential if the Victory Tree Foundation is to survive the future.

Any support, be it small or large, is gratefully received. It is needed to secure the children with quality education and an independent future during these competitive times.

Cleopandh & Somsak

Footnote:
Doctor Cleopandh Sooranpanthu is an obstetrician practising at the Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok. (See Bumrungrad Hospital for information on the hospital and Dr. Sooranpanthu.)
Dr. Somsak Somsugdi is a retired radiologist, who had practised in Germany and Thailand. He is now looking after the affairs of Chaiyapruk Foundation and the children.