EEF and Kao Kon La Kao Foundation Showcase 5 Years of 'Kao Puea Nong' Success and the Inspiring Journey of Artiwara Kongmalai

SUSTAINABILITY EXPO 2025 (SX) – The Equitable Education Fund (EEF) and the Kao Kon La Kao Foundation hosted a special Music Talk Show titled “Market of Hearts for Students: The Special Classroom, Kao Puea Nong Year 6” at the SX TALK STAGE. The event celebrated the heartening results of the "Kao Puea Nong" (Step for Students) project, now in its sixth year, which supports high-achieving students from impoverished backgrounds to pursue education beyond the mandatory level. Participants were also taken on a deep dive into the life inspirations and musical journey of Artiwara Kongmalai (Toon Bodyslam), President of the Kao Kon La Kao Foundation.

The Educational Inequality Crisis: The Urgent Need for Support

Thailand's educational inequality situation is a serious concern, with a staggering 880,000 out-of-school youth recorded in 2024. This demographic is crucial for helping Thailand escape the middle-income trap and become a high-income nation.

An EEF representative revealed that among the 8.5 million students in the formal education system, over 3 million live in poor or extremely poor households. Of these, 1.33 million are in extreme poverty, with an average household income of just THB 1,133 per person per month—less than half the national poverty line of THB 3,000. Without support, an estimated one in five students will drop out after completing Grade 9.

Five Years of Opportunity: A Life-Changing Scholarship

The Kao Kon La Kao Foundation and the EEF have continuously collaborated to provide the "Kao Puea Nong Scholarship." The scholarship supports students accepted into upper secondary or vocational school with a stipend of THB 6,500 per month and up to THB 10,000 per year for tuition, totaling THB 264,000 per student over three years. This ensures they can complete their education without the burden of poverty.

Over the past five years, the project has awarded 249 scholarships (163 for high school, 86 for vocational school) and raised over THB 63,576,000 in donations.

Outstanding Success in Higher Education Pathways

A representative from the Kao Kon La Kao Foundation stated, "The first and second cohorts of our students now have more life choices. They once thought they would have to find work after Grade 9, but today, nearly all of them have advanced to higher education. This shows that when we help, we genuinely expand their opportunities to move forward in life."

This success is bolstered by a strong network of partners. A key partner is King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), whose Alumni Association works with the university to provide continuing scholarships.

Mr. Suradej Buasap, President of the KMUTNB Alumni Association, affirmed their commitment: "For students who are accepted into the university, we will cover their tuition throughout their entire degree program, from their first year to their last. If it's a five-year program, we support them until they graduate, enabling them to build a career and change their own lives."

Three students from the second cohort, now studying at KMUTNB, shared their experiences. One of them, "Nong Keng" (Kanda Jamlongpleng), a student in the Faculty of Industrial Education, majoring in Electrical Engineering, said, "I am one of many who have a dream and want to make it come true. My path has been incredibly difficult. I promise to study hard and follow my dream of becoming a technical teacher."

Sustaining Efforts for the Nation's Future

Ms. Porn Tanyanunpon, Director of Public Communications and Partnership Mobilization at the EEF, thanked the Kao Kon La Kao Foundation and all supporters. "You will not be disappointed. Every single baht and satang will reach these students, and they are the future of our country. Every child has value."

The foundation is continuing its "Kao Puea Nong" fundraising for Year 6, with events planned in several provinces next year, including a run featuring international guests.

Music Talk Show: 'P'Toon' Shares Life Lessons Through Song

Artiwara Kongmalai, known as P'Toon Bodyslam, held an intimate talk and "Artivara Songbook" performance, sharing his personal journey and inspirations. He spoke of his father’s musical influence and meeting Thai superstar Bird Thongchai as a child, before performing songs like "Sabai Sabai" that marked his musical beginnings.

P'Toon reflected on key moments when he committed to his musical dream:

• Student Life: He admitted to often skipping class for band practice in high school but buckled down to study for and pass the entrance exam to the Faculty of Law at Chulalongkorn University to make his parents proud.

• Founding Bodyslam: After graduating, he chose not to become a lawyer. Instead, he worked as a flight attendant for nearly a year to support himself and the band while they produced their first album.

• Lessons from Running: The Kao Kon La Kao charity run (Betong-Mae Sai) taught him to accept defeat and the importance of rest, which inspired the song "Saeng Sawan" (Heavenly Light).

• He also performed songs reflecting his life philosophy:

  1. "Wela Thao Nan" (Only Time): Success requires patience and time.

  2. "Thammachat" (Nature): Inspired by an eroded sea stack that still stands with captivating charm, a metaphor for a life that remains strong despite hardship.

  3. "Wela Mi Noi" (Time is Short): A reminder for couples to cherish their time together.

A pivotal moment of validation came at Bodyslam's first sold-out concert at Thunder Dome. "My mom was waiting backstage," P'Toon recalled. "She hugged me and said, 'Now I believe you can do it.'" That moment unlocked years of anxiety for both him and his mother, who had hoped he would pursue a stable career.