The foundation’s anniversary celebrations, held from May 30 to June 4, commemorated the annual observance of the founding of the revered deity Poy Chun Se Hut, a central figure in the foundation’s traditions.
The largest charitable event took place at the foundation’s headquarters in Phuket Town on Wednesday (June 3), where Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn presided over a large-scale alms-giving ceremony attended by foundation chairman Lek Tantiwongpaisan, Phuket City Mayor Suppachoke La-ongphet, representatives of government agencies and members of the public.
During the event, the foundation distributed more than 3,000 relief packages containing rice and dried food to disadvantaged residents. While many packages were handed directly to people gathered outside the foundation, the remaining aid will be distributed to communities across Phuket.
Speaking at the event, Mr Lek said the annual alms-giving ceremony reflects the foundation’s long-standing mission to alleviate hardship and provide assistance to vulnerable people throughout the province.
“The event is organised every year in line with the foundation’s objectives of helping those in need and supporting the people of Phuket,” he said.
Earlier the same day, the foundation also held a scholarship presentation ceremony as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations.
A total of 423 scholarships were awarded to students, including 262 for primary school pupils, 32 for secondary school students, 48 for vocational college students, 60 for university students and 21 scholarships for children of foundation employees.
The foundation also donated rice to support lunch programmes at 24 schools across Phuket.
According to the foundation, the combined value of the scholarships, school support and relief aid exceeded B2.36 million.
Among those attending the scholarship ceremony were Wang Zhijian, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Songkhla, Li Chenglong, head of the Chinese Consular Office in Phuket, school administrators, teachers, students and local media representatives.
Mr Lek said the scholarships formed part of the foundation’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities for young people in Phuket while continuing its wider charitable work.
“For the past 50 years, the foundation has continuously carried out public welfare activities, including rescue operations, disaster assistance, support for underprivileged residents and educational programmes for the benefit of Phuket society,” he said.
The anniversary celebrations also featured a major religious procession through Phuket Town on Tuesday (June 2).
Despite light morning rain, large crowds of residents and tourists lined the streets to welcome the procession carrying the sacred deity known locally as Hud Jow, which was paraded through key roads in the town centre to bestow blessings on the public.
The procession, led by Mr Lek and foundation members, featured lion and dragon dances, Eng Gor performances and ceremonial floats. Many residents set up offering tables and took part in traditional tea exchange rituals along the route.
A highlight of the event was a special performance by an Eng Gor troupe from Chonburi, accompanied by lion and dragon dances at the historic Chartered Bank intersection. Commemorative 50th anniversary amulets were also distributed to participants.
Phuket City Municipality officials, led by Mayor Suphachok, joined the celebrations alongside Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation President Rewat Areerob, Phuket Senator Nipon Ekwanich, representatives of local government organisations, the Phuket Shrine Association and community leaders.
Founded in 1976, the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation has become one of Phuket’s most prominent charitable organisations, providing emergency rescue services, disaster relief, welfare assistance and educational support while also helping preserve the island’s Chinese-Thai cultural traditions.
This year’s anniversary celebrations highlighted both the foundation’s religious heritage and its continuing role in supporting communities across Phuket through charitable and humanitarian work.