“There is no single ‘right’ way to help. The only thing we ask is this: choose the way you feel comfortable contributing—and get started.”
At Beauty for a Better World we’re always on the look-out for people and projects that contribute to that -sometimes elusive- better world and a few months ago I bumped in the Bangkok Community Help Foundation on Instagram (@https://www.instagram.com/bangkokcommunityhelp), co-founded by Dutch-born Friso Poldervaart. They help the poorest people in the slums of Bangkok, but also assist elsewhere in Thailand after natural disasters such as the flooding in Hat Yai or to help people affected by the war with Cambodia. Friso found a few quiet minutes in his hectic schedule to answer some questions. All we can add to this is: be like Friso!
Friso Poldervaart
1. Why does a Dutch guy start a charity in Thailand?
“In short, it all comes down to my love for this country. I moved to Thailand when I was 18 years old, and I’ve now spent nearly half of my life here. Thailand has shaped me both personally and professionally, and it has given me countless opportunities, friendships, and experiences that I will always be grateful for. At a certain point, giving back no longer felt like a choice—it felt like a responsibility.
That feeling isn’t unique to me. There are many people, both Thai and international, who share a deep appreciation for this country and want to contribute in a meaningful way. Bangkok Community Help Foundation was created to channel that shared sense of gratitude into action. We empower people who feel connected to Thailand to give back to the communities that make this country so special. That collective spirit—people coming together because they genuinely care—is at the heart of our success.”
2. What does the charity do?
“The Bangkok Community Help Foundation was founded in 2020 by Friso Poldervaart and Greg Lange with a simple but powerful mission: to uplift communities in need across Bangkok through compassion, dignity, and direct action. What started as a grassroots response to urgent challenges quickly grew into a trusted and impactful organization.
Since our inception, we’ve supported more than 5 million people, made possible by the dedication of our core team and the incredible efforts of over 3,000 volunteers. Our work ranges from food distribution and emergency relief to improving living conditions, supporting education, and responding quickly when crises arise. Everything we do is community-led—we listen first, then act—ensuring that our support is practical, respectful, and effective.
At the core of the Bangkok Community Help Foundation is the belief that anyone who wants to help should be able to. We don’t just focus on those receiving support; we also focus on empowering people who want to make a difference, whether through their time, skills, or resources. This is truly a community-driven mission. Every meal delivered, every home repaired, and every life touched happens because someone decided to show up. That shared commitment is what allows us to create real, lasting change.”
3. Do you also have another job?
“Yes, alongside the foundation, I run several businesses in Thailand. I’m the founder of a creative agency called Digital Distinct, which provides marketing and creative services to companies around the world. More recently, we’ve expanded into film and television production and have just produced a pilot for a new Thai TV series.
I’m also the founder of Dinner in the Sky Thailand, a unique dining experience where guests are lifted 50 meters into the air by a crane for an unforgettable meal. Most recently, I opened a wellness center focused on holistic healing, offering practices such as yoga, Pilates, sound healing, reiki, and educational workshops. While these ventures are very different, they all share a common theme: creativity, connection, and bringing people together in meaningful ways.”
4. What can people do to help you? Send money? Clothes? Volunteer?
“As mentioned before, anyone can help—and there are many ways to get involved. Financial donations are one of the most important pillars of our foundation, as they allow us to fund and sustain our programs. However, money is not the only way to make an impact.
People can also donate unused items such as clothing, furniture, toys, books, and other essentials, or contribute their time by volunteering with us on the ground. For those who aren’t in Thailand but still want to take immediate action, simply sharing our work makes a huge difference. Sharing this article, following us on Facebook and Instagram, and spreading the word among friends and family all help us reach more people and grow our impact.
There is no single “right” way to help. The only thing we ask is this: choose the way you feel comfortable contributing—and get started.”
https://www.bangkokcommunityhelp.org/