Pattaya, Thailand – October 15th, 2025 – General Surayud Chulanont, Chairman of the Privy Council and President of the “Thai Hearts to Southern Hearts” Foundation, presided over a visit to families and youth participating in the 45th cohort of the “Thai Hearts to Southern Hearts” project at the Thapphraya Meeting Room at Pattaya City Hall.
The event saw a warm welcome from Pattaya Mayor Poramese Ngampichet, Banglamung District Chief Phatcharaphat Sritanyanon, along with representatives from government agencies, private sectors, and related organizations.
Chaiyaporn Phaophirumrat, Deputy Governor of Chonburi Province, reported that Chonburi, with its 11 districts and over 30 mosques, has been involved in the project since the 3rd cohort through the 44th. To date, more than 274 host families have participated, caring for a total of 548 youth from Thailand’s southern border provinces.
For the 45th cohort, Chonburi selected 14 host families—comprising of 8 Muslim families and 6 Buddhist families—to welcome 28 youth from the five southern border provinces. The program is to help these young participants learn about local lifestyles, customs, and cultural practices in the community.
Following a meeting and words of encouragement, General Surayud presented commemorative gifts to the host families and supporting organizations. He expressed appreciation for the efforts of all sectors in driving the “Thai Hearts to Southern Hearts” project toward continued success.
The project, ongoing for over four decades, promotes cultural exchange and unity between Thailand’s southern regions and other parts of the country, building understanding and support among diverse communities.
