BCTFN is a fund-raising organisation for Thai charities in Thailand. It is British inspired but is supported by many other nationalities. The main fund-raising event for BCTFN is Ploenchit Fair, an annual charity event held in Bangkok.
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Contributions to Thai charities by members of the British Community in Thailand reach back to the war years. In 1968 the United Kingdom Committee for Thai Charities was formed to organise and run the Ploenchit Fair and disburse the funds raised there. throughout the subsequent year. Committee members personally visit the charities, ensure the smooth running of the projects and the application of funds. Over the years the UKCTC - from 1999, BCTFN - has given direct help to groups in need through the provision of various basic necessities and equipment to improve health care, nutrition, education, agricultural projects, the disabled and self-help schemes throughout Thailand. The list of recipients of donations is long and includes charitable funds, foundations, institutions, hospitals, schools and many other needy groups.
In 1957 the first Ploenchit Fair was held in the grounds of the British Embassy and raised Baht 78,000 for Thai charities. The Ploenchit Fair was conceived for the British community to join together to raise finds for Thai charities.
In May 1968 the United Kingdom for Thai Charities (UKCTC) was officially formed to administer the Ploenchit Fair and the disbursement of funds to charities. The voluntary committee comprises mainly long-time residents from all areas of the British community in Thailand including a representative from the BCCT. In a major development, in 1999 the UKCTC was granted Foundation status under the name of the British Community in Thailand Foundation for the Needy (BCTFN).
Funds raised at each Ploenchit Fair are allocated over the following year to a wide variety of projects for needy and deserving causes, all of which are first approved by the BCTFN. The BCTFN Committee meets monthly to review new proposals for assistance and assess the progress of current projects. Emphasis is given to sustainable self-help projects and long term community projects in particular health/medical, educational (particularly of the physically, mentally or socially handicapped), communal projects and disaster relief.
