Gulf Energy Development Plc. (GULF)has contributed to the renovation of the Pak Kret Dental Center in Nonthaburi Province, a philanthropic extension the company’s “GULF Sparks Smiles” project in collaboration with the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University. The renovation aims to improve dental care facilities for the underprivileged children and children with disabilities who are under the care of local welfare homes. In addition to the renovation, GULF has partnered with Artstory, a social enterprise founded by Autistic Thai Foundation. This collaboration features a group of autistic artists beautifully creating commissioned artworks to adorn the activity room and hallway walls of the dental center. These artworks, inspired by the artists’ memories of a field trip to GULF’s agricultural learning center of Nong Saeng power plant in Saraburi Province, aim to provide a welcoming and calming atmosphere for young patients, easing their anxiety around dental visits. This initiative resonates with GULF’s commitment to its mission of “Powering the Future, Empowering the People,” emphasizing the company’s dedication to conducting businesses in a way that sustainably improves the quality of life for people in the society.

Regarding the renovation, GULF has made a donation of THB 2,000,000 last year for the refurbishment of the building, which included the upgrade of 6 dental rooms, an activity room, and a restroom especially equipped for the disabled. These enhancements were aimed at providing better access and facilitating patients under the care of the Home for the Protection and Development of Persons with Disabilities under the supervision of Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, which oversees various groups of the underprivileged, namely, the residents of the Pak Kret Babies’ Home, Fueng Fah Home, Nonthaphum Home, and Rachawadee Home (for Boys and Girls). The range of dental services made available through this facility includes scaling, tooth fillings, tooth extraction, root canal treatments, and the application of dental sealants.

Mr. Sarath Ratanavadi, Chief Executive Officer, GULF, stated, “Since 2020, GULF has been in collaboration with the Faculty of Dentistry at Chulalongkorn University on the ‘GULF Sparks Smiles’ project, offering free dental care to individuals in the Bangkok metropolitan area. We are pleased to extend our support through the renovation the Pak Kret Dental Center. It is our hope that this will improve access to quality dental care for the underprivileged children cared for by local welfare homes, which operate under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, in Pak Kret area. Our contribution aims to support their well-being and empower them to achieve their full potential despite their challenging life circumstances. We believe this project will have a significant and enduring impact on their lives and the community as a whole.”

Prof. Pornchai Jansisyanont, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at Chulalongkorn University, shared, “The Pak Kret Dental Project was established in 1999 as a collaboration between the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and the Faculty of Dentistry at Chulalongkorn University. It has continuously provided dental care for children while also fostering values of social responsibility, morality, and compassion among the graduated students volunteers who dutifully participated. We deeply appreciate Gulf Group’s contribution, which has been a vital force in empowering this project. Their generosity which resulted in a successful renovation of the facility has greatly enhanced its functionality and suitability for our patients.”

Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Social Development and Human Security, said, “The Pak Kret Dental Project, operating within the Health Aid Center, offers continuous dental services to underprivileged children under the Ministry’s care in Pak Kret area. This initiative is made possible by the support of Gulf Group, the dedicated management team, staff, and dental students from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Dentistry, alongside our valued network partners. Together, we strive to build a Thailand where no one is left behind with everyone receiving dignified care in an equitable society. Individuals with disabilities often face limitations in daily activities and encounter various societal barriers. Special assistance is crucial for these individuals to fully live and participate in society. The Pak Kret Dental Project not only contributes to the betterment of the quality of life for those with disabilities but also ensures holistic care for all targeted groups.”

Since 2020, the ‘GULF Sparks Smiles’ project is a brainchild between GULF and Dent Chula joining forces to execute their mutual objective in delivering free dental care to individuals in rural areas while instilling a self-care mindset to prevent oral health issues and foster overall wellbeing of individuals whose access to consistent healthcare may be mired of challenges. Apart from mobile dental unit, the initiative expands to include a top-notch dental treatment program tailored to the needs of the underprivileged and disabled, as well as to fund for craniofacial prostheses for individuals with craniofacial anomalies who cannot otherwise afford them. This ongoing program embodies GULF’s commitment to ‘Powering the Future, Empowering the People’, underscoring the company’s dedication to conducting business with the dual goal of enhancing the quality of life for the community and the company’s stakeholders.

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