RYTHM Foundation Donates 300,000 THB to Thongchai Jaidee Charity to Help Poor Children Live Their Dreams
Thailand: 2 April 2009 - The 'QuestNet Pays Forward' initiative continued to brighten the lives of underprivileged children with a recent heartfelt donation in Thailand to a positive children's charity in Lopburi Province, to help young children become 'golf stars' like the charity's namesake.
Giving hope to children who would not normally be given the opportunity of learning and excelling in a sport such as golf, the Pan Din Hai Pen Dao (Turn the 'Clay' to the 'Star') in Lopburi Province was established by the Thai golf professional Thongchai Jaidee, who ranked 67 in the Official World Golf Ranking early this year.
With a strong intention to give something back to society after his great achievement in golf, which has climbed to success in The European Tour and The Asian Tour in 2004 and 2005, Thongchai established this charitable foundation in his hometown eight years ago.
The foundation aims to open an opportunity to youngsters who might never have a chance to play golf, to be able to follow in his Thongchai's footsteps to be a golf star. Whenever Thongchai is 'home', he teaches his young students as much as he can. He focusses particularly on how they should handle themselves when they win or lose, as well as teaching the students discipline, striving to provide an education about good sportsmanship and fair play.
"My golf experience started from zero point - from 'caddy' to 'professional golf'. I'm lucky that I can achieve my goal. Now I've got everything - a house, a car, and a lovely family. I want to help make a difference to the poor youngsters and push them to achieve their dream just like me," said Thongchai.
The idea behind the foundation is underpinned by the belief that children are the future of society. This belief also drives the QuestNet Pays Forward programme and is at the heart of RYTHM Foundation. Providing opportunities to those who would otherwise not be so fortunate is a small way everyone can bring hope to children around the world.
QuestNet Product Marketing Manager Jeremy Guessoum met with the Thai golf star at Panya Indra Golf Club in Bangkok on Thursday 2 April 2009, to officially present 300,000 THB (approximately USD 8,500) to support the charitable project.
"I was very surprised when I heard that the RYTHM Foundation would raise funds to support the charity. I heard about RYTHM Foundation a few years ago during my golf tournament in Malaysia and was overwhelmed with the organisation's great contribution to the community, particularly to underprivileged and disabled children. I've never realised that the RYTHM Foundation will expand their help to those in other territories. I feel very thankful for that," said Thongchai.
The 'QuestNet Pays Forward' initiative continues to move forward with a strong commitment to help those in need while enhancing the quality of their lives. With RYTHM Foundation as its enabler, the initiative is slowly but surely making a difference.
Get to know Thongchai
Name: Thongchai Jaidee
Born: 8 November 1969
Birthplace: Lopburi
Height: 171 cm
Weight: 68 kg
Turned Pro: 1999
Family: Married, 2 children
Official World Golf Ranking: 67 (as of early 2009)
Asian Tour Victories:
2009: |
Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open |
2008: |
Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open Hana Bank Vietnam Master |
2006: |
Volvo Masters of Asia, Thailand |
2005: |
Carlsberg Malaysian Open |
2004: |
Carlsberg Malaysian Open Myanmar Open |
2003: |
Volvo Masters of Asia, Thailand |
2002: |
Myanmar Open |
2001: |
Wills Indian Open |
2000: |
Kolon Cup Korean Open |
Road to Success
Thongchai Jaidee is the Thai professional golfer who holds the record for most career victories on the Asian Tour. He started playing golf when he was 16 with his first golf driver - a three iron head stuck on a bamboo stick.
Thongchai turned professional when he was 30 after serving as a Ranger in the Royal Thai Army, regularly making parachute drops as part of his service. Thongchai was committed to represent Thailand in the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok. He was allowed to play plenty of golf and enjoyed a distinguished amateur career.
Thongchai achieved success on the Asian Tour, topping the tour's Order of Merit in 2001 and 2004. He became the first Thai to win a tournament on the European Tour when he won the Carlsberg Malaysian Open.
In 2006, Thongchai established his own golf academy with more than 20 young students under his wing in Lopburi Province, with the strong intention to give something back to the game.
Thongchai made history in February 2008 by becoming the first Thai golfer to honourably obtain a Doctorate Degree in the Golf Management Project from Ramkhamhaeng University.
In early 2009, Thongchai reached 67 in the Official World Golf Ranking and his soaring career continues to climb the ranks of world golf.
For more information about Thongchai Jaidee, click here.