YWCA Diplomatic Charity Bazaar at CentralWorld - 15-17 Nov

YWCA Diplomatic Charity Bazaar
Kathleen Pokrud

Visiting a local bazaar is the best way to learn about the culture and history of any foreign country. It is one of my favourable pastimes wherever I travel.  Luckily, for many expatriates and locals in Bangkok, we have the opportunity to shop by browsing through all the intricate overseas products on display at the annual YWCA Diplomatic Charity Bazaar. The timing is always perfect, a few weeks before Christmas to prepare our year end gifts exchange.

Celebrating 72nd anniversary of YWCA of Bangkok

In 2019, the YWCA of Bangkok celebrates 72 years of history, which is an auspicious 6th cycle birthday for many Thais. The Young Women’s Christian Association of Bangkok is located at the heart of Bangkok on South Sathorn Road, with many foreign Embassies as neighbours. The current address was purchased and at the time was a grand old house with a large compound using the funds contributed by YWCA of the USA and the funds raised from the first Bazaar. The YWCA of Bangkok was officially established and registered as an association from the Thai government in 1947. It is through this property that the most activities and services of the association were undertaken.

I sat down with Mrs. Usana Sukhothsub, current President of the YWCA of Bangkok to talk about the visions and missions of the long established Christian association. “Our visions are a fully inclusive world, where justice, peace, human dignity, freedom and care for the environment are promoted and sustained through women’s leadership by Christian principles”, shared by the hardworking President who chairs all the fundraising activities. “Through the grace of God, we are very blessed to have successfully organised the YWCA Diplomatic Charity Bazaar in November every year.” 

Since its establishment, the YWCA of Bangkok has provided aids and supported social development through various charity projects. Mrs. Usana credited that the success of the charity event is owed to the cooperation amongst the YWCA of Bangkok, spouses of the Ambassadors from various countries, and Central Pattana Public Co., Ltd. In 2018, the YWCA Diplomatic Bazaar raised over 9 million Baht and the funds raised supported more than 50 projects in the areas of education, health, quality of life and victim relief to those underprivileged in Bangkok and other provinces.

History of the YWCA Diplomatic Charity Bazaar

In 1953, the wives of the foreign Ambassadors and Embassy officials in Thailand formed the YWCA Bangkok Diplomatic Spouses Committee and introduced the Christmas Bazaar in an effort to bridge the cross-cultural gap and entertained the people of Thailand, local expatriates and visitors while raising money for much-needed charity projects to better the lives of the local people, particularly children.

More info: https://expatlifeinthailand.com/featured/ywca-diplomatic-charity-bazaar/