Khunying Patama Lisuadtakul: Fire of hope and charityKhunying Patama Lisuadtakul: Hope and charity

In the heart of Thai society lives a woman whose name has become synonymous with philanthropy, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to improving the community. Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, a multifaceted individual, has woven a tapestry of compassion and dedication throughout her life. Her contributions across various fields, from business to sports, music, education, and healthcare, have not only transformed lives but also elevated Thailand's international standing.

One of the latest initiatives of Khunying Patama, showcasing her deep compassion and vision, is her commitment to the Special Olympic athletes of Thailand. The organization dedicated to supporting people with intellectual disabilities has found a reliable ally in Khunying Patama. In her role as president of the Badminton Association of Thailand and a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), she led the Thai delegation at the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin four months ago.

Hunyin Patama is surrounded by special young athletes during the 2023 Olympic Games.

During the Games, she was deeply moved by her interactions with athletes with intellectual disabilities. Observing their unwavering determination, she decided to offer them support. Thailand, which had only 35 athletes, won an impressive 10 gold medals, two of which were earned in the challenging sport of badminton. These victories are not just triumphs; they represent years of hard work put in by the Special Olympics Thailand, coaches, and volunteers across the country.

In Thailand, there are over a million adults and children with intellectual disabilities. Socially, they are the most vulnerable and have the least opportunities in society.

Special Olympians are an international organization that reveals the human spirit every day through the transformative power of sports around the world. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, the Special Olympics movement has grown from hundreds of athletes to over 6 million athletes in 190 countries.

Hunyin Patama (third from the right) and Dr. Somsak Liswadtrakul (on the left) pose with Timothy Shriver (third from the left), the chairman of the Special Olympics and the grandson of former U.S. President John F.

Under the influence of the spirit of the Games, Hunyin Patama has chosen a new approach to mark the 35th anniversary of the Special Olympics Thailand. She will preside over a unique charitable art program called "Charitable Art for the Special Olympics Thailand by Artists from Hong Kong," bringing together renowned artists, including one of the top ten contemporary artists in the world, Owen Wong, and two leading Chinese painters. The exhibition, featuring 30 famous masterpieces, will take place from October 27 to 29, 2023, at the Bangkok Art and Culture Center.

Hunyin Patama is playing badminton with some athletes during the 2023 Special Olympics.

In addition, Khunying Patama is organizing an art exhibition and tea auction at the Arnoma Hotel on Sunday, October 29, with the aim of raising funds for the Special Olympics Thailand sports program nationwide. For generous donors, this event offers not only the opportunity to purchase artworks from renowned artists but also to take advantage of tax deductions.

“The act of donating to this noble cause directly impacts the community of people with intellectual disabilities, reflecting the spirit of compassion and promoting social inclusion in Thai society,” emphasized Hunyin Patama.

Not only Hunying Patama, but also her husband, businessman Dr. Somsak Liswadtrakul, a former senator and advisor to the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, actively supports various public and social initiatives, including sports and education, as well as the healthcare sector.

Hunyin Patama's contribution to the sports arena is truly remarkable. As a member of the IOC, she has played a key role in fostering cooperation between national and international sports organizations. During her tenure as president of the Badminton Association of Thailand, Thai badminton flourished, and over 30 players are now among the top 100 in the world rankings.

The latest success story of the association under the leadership of Khunying Patama is Pitchamon "Pink" Opatniput, a 16-year-old woman who recently defeated an Indonesian opponent in the girls' singles final at the BWF World Junior Championships in Spokane, Washington, and won the title of world junior champion.

Hunyin Patama's contribution to society extends far beyond this latest initiative. In the business sphere, she has established herself as a strong force. Through her involvement in various sectors such as steel, hotels, hospitals, real estate, and logistics, she has demonstrated remarkable entrepreneurial talent.

In addition to her significant achievements in business and sports, Khunying Patama is also a devoted supporter of cultural enlightenment and moral education. Her important roles in preserving Thailand's rich cultural heritage include serving as the chair of the Culture and Olympic Heritage Commission of the IOC, a member of the Executive Board of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), vice president of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, director of the Ramathibodi Foundation, and chair of the Cultural Enlightenment Foundation. Furthermore, Khunying Patama holds important positions in various other non-profit organizations, including chairing the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, working diligently for the benefit of Thai society.

Association of Sports Reporters and Photographers of Thailand

Recognizing her outstanding achievements, the Association of Sports Reporters and Photographers of Thailand awarded Khunying Patama the title of "Person of the Decade." Her remarkable accomplishments, along with her exceptional business talent and sports leadership, led to her being named "Woman of the Year 2023" by the Bangkok Post, Thailand's leading English-language news publication.

In a world often plagued by problems, Khunying Patama Liswadtrakul stands as a symbol of hope, compassion, and determination. Her tireless efforts and boundless generosity have not only transformed the lives of countless individuals but have also illuminated the path toward a more inclusive, compassionate, and prosperous society. Thailand, and undoubtedly the entire world, has been enriched by her presence.