Just curious ..is there an equivalent of a non-profit organization in thailand?

Yes, they are called non-governmental organizations in Thailand. Foundations (mulanatee) and associations (samakom) may be registered in Thailand.

According to Thailand law, a foundation consists of assets appropriated for charitable, religious, artistic, scientific, literary, educational or other purposes for the benefit of the public and not for profit sharing.

An association may be created for continuously and collectively conducting any lawful activity other than sharing profits or incomes earned.

Good luck and I hope this helps you out.

Thailand has Registered Foundations:

Foundation link

I wanted to set up an NGO some eight years ago - based in Bangkok (that's where I lived) but operating in Cambodia and the border areas with Thailand and Laos.

Everyone (lawyers, accountants etc in Thailand) said that it was really difficult and that the Thais did not like to think that they needed help from outside NGO's. As a foreigner I was advised to set it up outside Thailand.

Not very helpful I know - just the way it was then.

thank you all for the information.