Who We Are

The Sathirakoses-Nagapradeepa Foundation is a Thai non-governmental organisation (NGO) with a spiritual, environmental, and activist vision. The foundation is named after two prominent Thai scholars, Sathirakoses and Nagapradeepa, who were the intellectual link of the traditional and modern Thai society. Founded by Sulak Sivaraksa in 1968, it has become the 'mother' foundation for several sister organisations that have continued to struggle at the grassroots, national, regional and international levels for freedom, human rights, traditional cultural integrity, social justice and environmental protection. One characteristic that distinguishes SNF from other Thai NGOs is its deep commitment to spiritual development. Members of SNF believe that inner change (personal development) and outer change (political, economic, and structural changes) must go hand in hand to bring about a transformation of society. Together with the people of Siam* and other concerned citizens from around the world, our network is working to cultivate the seeds of peace and to lay the foundation for meaningful social transformation.

* Siam
The country of Thailand was known as Siam until 1939, when the name was changed to a hybrid, anglicised word. For many, this name signifies the crisis of traditional values. For this reason we use the word 'Thai' to refer to the people, the language, and the culture, while 'Siam' is used for the country itself.

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