Rak Dek

The Life Skills Development Foundation (TLSDF) is a non-governmental organization striving to improve the quality of life for vulnerable children and their families in upper Northern Thailand with regard to the general principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), ratified by the government in 1992. In Thai, our organization is called “Rak Dek,” meaning, “to protect children.” 

TLSDF was founded in 1998 when Save the Children USA closed down its operational presence in Thailand. Our primary focus is empowering hill tribe children, ages 0-18 years, in remote areas of upper Northern Thailand. We provide a range of programs to aid disenfranchised, vulnerable, disadvantaged, under-served, neglected, abused, or HIV/AIDS-affected children in attaining their rights to survival, protection, development and participation. Capacity-building through sustainable programming ensures that our children and beneficiaries acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to continue making a positive impact in their communities long after TLSDF leaves its project areas.

TLSDF is registered as a Thai non-profit and non-governmental organization with the National Cultural Commission’s permission in Lamphun province.