Phuket Sunshine Village Foundation
Phuket Sunshine Village Foundation: A Beacon of Hope Born from Tragedy
In the wake of the devastating tsunami that struck Phuket on December 26, 2004, the world watched with heartbreak — but here in Phuket, the members of the Lions Club of Phuket Andaman Sea chose action. Amid the ruins and recovery, a vision emerged: to create something lasting, something that would support the most vulnerable survivors of the tragedy — children in need.
What began as an idea quickly became a mission. Fundraising efforts ignited, and the outpouring of support was nothing short of remarkable. The Lions Club soon partnered with Child Watch Phuket, a respected local organization with over a decade of experience in child protection and advocacy. Together, they laid the foundation — literally and figuratively — for what would become the Phuket Sunshine Village Foundation.
On August 17, 2005, the Foundation was officially established as a legal entity in Thailand. With the generous backing of the French Red Cross, who funded and managed construction, the dream became reality. Just over a year later, on June 29, 2007, the Phuket Sunshine Village was formally opened by the Governor of Phuket.
More Than a Shelter — A True Foster Home
Today, the Phuket Sunshine Village is home to over 100 children from Phuket and surrounding provinces. While some mistakenly refer to us as an “orphanage,” we are, in fact, a Foster Home for Children in Need. Many of the children in our care are not orphans — they come from families struggling with poverty, illness, or hardship. Their loved ones may still be present, but simply unable to provide the safe, stable environment every child deserves.
At Phuket Sunshine Village, we offer both short-term and long-term family-based foster care, fully aligned with Thailand’s Child Protection Laws. Our goal is always to keep children connected to their roots. Families are encouraged to stay involved, visit often, and when appropriate, children can return home for weekends — all with the aim of reuniting families when it's safe and possible to do so.
Why We Exist
Around the world, children are often placed into institutions in the hope that it will lift them from poverty. But research — and real-life experience — tells a different story: institutionalization can lead to long-lasting emotional and developmental harm.
That’s why our model is different. At Phuket Sunshine Village, children grow up in a family-style environment — with caring house parents, individual attention, education, and emotional support. And our team doesn’t stop there: we regularly visit and assess each child’s home situation, actively working toward reunification whenever possible.
To our patrons and supporters: thank you for being part of this journey.
What began as a response to tragedy has grown into a haven of healing, growth, and second chances. Phuket Sunshine Village isn’t just a place — it’s a promise to the children of Phuket that they are not forgotten, and that a brighter future is always within reach.
