COF is run by a team of approximately 30 committed individuals working together to provide security and opportunity for stateless Mon and Karen children. The majority of our staff are local Karen, Mon and Burmese. Many of our staff are also from a background of disadvantage. Regular employment at COF enables them to provide their children with a stable home and life changing education. Over the last couple of years our successful higher education program has seen a number of university and vocational graduates returning to join the team. It is particularly inspiring to see these young adults returning to their hometown area, empowered and eager to assist those facing the danger and uncertainty they once faced.
Our Board
As part of our governance framework, we are overseen by a board of trustees comprising of eight members. The board meets bi-annually. All board changes are approved and certified by The Thai Department of Social Welfare and Human Security.
The current Board of Trustees are:
- Miss May Chawanakunakorn, President
- Mr Daniel Thomas Hopson, Vice President
- Miss Saranporn Taweemongkonchai, Treasurer
- Mrs Sansanee Krairuk, Committee Member
- Mr Mana Ngamnet, Committee Member
- Mr Mark William Curragh, Committee Member
Our Key People:
Foundation President
May Chavanakunakorn (Thai)
Bachelor Degree in Public Health
with COF since 2011
Foundation Secretary/ Board Member
Sansanee Krairiksh (Thai)
Bachelor of Education
With COF since 2011
COF Founder & Youth / Programme Leader
Daniel Hopson (UK)
BA Wolverhampton University UK
With COF since 2005
Project Manager
Mark Curragh (NZ)
BA Waikato NZ, Post Graduate Diploma Otago NZ, DELTA Seville Spain
with COF since 2006
Child Protection Manager & Liaison Officer with Thai Authorities
Saranporn Taweemongkonchai (Thai)
Bachelor of Tourism / Child Protection Diploma
With COF since 2008
Social Worker
Kanyawee Naglitaporn/’PipiPu’ (Karen/Thai)
Bachelor Of Social Work (Huachiew Chalermprakiet University, Thailand)
Medical Officer & Head of Mother & Child Protection
Talai Tow (Mon)
with COF since 2007
Principle Trustee COF-USA
Robin Gascon (USA)
With COF since 2010
Principle Trustee COF-UK /Fund Raising Consultant
Tom Hopson (UK)
With COF since 2005
Counsellor/Adviser to Child Protection Team
Lynda Hopson (UK)
Certificate in Counselling UK
With COF since 2005
Accountant
Tipwan Chanasopiwat (Mon/Thai)
Bachelor Degree in Accounting
With COF since 2014
Children of the Forest Free School Teachers
(From left to right)
Aewitra Rattanun (Kindergarten /Preparation 1) Masessa (Kindergarten/Preparation Assistant teacher), Andy Zeal (Art), Wimporn Sopaprajusanai (Korsanor Elementary),Patchareeporn Pattaraukontorn (Grade 1), Janpen Boonmak (Korsanor Senior High School), Wiparat Sopaprajusamai (School Administrator), Paraporn Pongpornprasert (Grade 2), Samrung Pansonboon (Korsanor Junior High School), Jittrapa Nakiiiapong ‘Malatee’ (English), Mongbajo (Preparation 2), Lek Pongsakan (Driver/Assistant)