Once known as Siam, the Southeast Asian constitutional monarchy of Thailand is the only country in the region that has never been occupied by a European power. Myanmar (the former Burma), Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea border the country, which is the world’s 20th-most-populated.

Though agriculture provides an income for many Thais, earning a consistent living through farming is difficult because of an unpredictable climate and varied rainfall as well as poor soil conditions. With little income for family support, parents must make difficult choices. Children suffer from a lack of nutrition and little access to education. Regular health care is often neglected.

ChildFund has served children in Thailand since 1959.