In 1978, Mr. Prayat Punong-ong, a visually impaired graduate, rented half of a house in Soi Tharnthip, Prachasamran Road, Nai Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province. This was made possible by a donation of 10,082 Baht from Mrs. Rose Lim, a Singaporean lady, and 12 beds donated by World Vision Foundation of Thailand. This initial capital was used to establish the "Christian Welfare Center for the Education of the Blind."
Mr. Prayat Punong-ong began teaching 13 blind children in that rented half-house, which served as both their learning space and dormitory. Volunteers joined Mr. Prayat with the goal of preparing these 13 children physically and mentally, developing their daily living skills, and teaching them Braille reading and writing, with the hope that they would eventually have the opportunity to study alongside sighted children.
This house became a place where people offered assistance, donating funds, food, and volunteering for various activities, which gradually fostered a more positive attitude towards blind people among the general public.
In 1981, a plot of land was donated for the establishment of the "Khon Kaen Blind Development Education Center" at 214 Moo 10, Maliwan Road, Ban Ped Subdistrict, Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province. This center was set up to provide educational services for the increasing number of blind individuals
In 1983, the Foundation received legal approval for registration as the Christian Foundation for the Blind in Thailand, with Mr. Chalermchai Jittayothorn as its Chairman. In 1984, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) graciously granted the Foundation his royal patronage, leading to its renaming as the "Christian Foundation for the Blind in Thailand Under the Royal Patronage."
In 1988, the Ministry of Finance officially declared the Foundation as Public Charity Organization No. 174.
In 2024, the Foundation's Board of Directors resolved to change the English name of the Foundation from "The Christian Foundation for the Blind in Thailand under the Patronage of H.M. the King" to "The Charity Foundation for the Blind in Thailand under the Patronage of H.M. the King."
The Foundation has been operating for 47 years, having provided educational services, vocational promotion, and rehabilitation to over 10,000 persons with visual impairments. Currently, the Foundation oversees 26 units, consisting of the Head Office and 11 provincial branch offices, 10 educational institutions, namely: Khon Kaen School for the Blind, Roi Et School for the Blind, Nakhon Ratchasima School for the Blind, Lop Buri School for the Blind and Blind Persons with Multiple Disabilities, Thammasakol Hat Yai School for the Blind, Dhammika Wittaya School, Cha-am School for Blind Children with Multiple Disabilities, Baan Dek Ramintra School, Mae Sai School for the Blind, and Khon Kaen Vocational College for the Blind. Additionally, there are 5 other support units: Nakhon Nayok Center for Career Promotion and Development for the Blind with Multiple disabilities, Educational Technology Center for the Blind, Community-Based Rehabilitation Learning Center for the Blind, Benyalai Library, and the Northeast Institute for the Promotion and Development of Quality of Life for Blind People. These units employ a total of 420 staff members, and collectively serve a total of 2,000 students, learners, and blind individuals in the community. The Foundation requires an annual operating budget of approximately 180 million Baht. Throughout its operation, the Foundation's income has primarily come from public donations, with approximately 20% of total revenue derived from government subsidies.
The Foundation continuously strives to improve the quality of life for persons with visual impairments, enabling them to receive education, pursue careers, earn income to support themselves and their families, and live with dignity and honor in society. This success is a direct result of the continuous support received from the public for the Foundation's mission.
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