Bangkok: The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior has extended an invitation to the youth from Thailand's southern border provinces to apply for the 46th edition of the "Connecting Thai Hearts to Southern Hearts" program. The application period is open from February 20-23, 2026, at district offices in their respective areas, with participation offered at no cost.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Arsit Sampanrat, who serves as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the "San Jai Thai Su Jai Tai" Foundation, announced the recruitment for this cultural exchange project. The initiative is designed for young people from the provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Satun, and Songkhla. Participants will have the chance to gain new experiences and learn about different lifestyles by living with host families in central and Andaman Sea coastal provinces.
The program, established in 2005 by General Prem Tinsulanonda, aims to provide Muslim youth from these southern provinces the opportunity to live with Muslim host families in Bangkok and other selected provinces. This arrangement facilitates an exchange of knowledge about living conditions and multicultural communities, thereby offering youth firsthand experience and insights into the social fabric of diverse regions.
The initiative seeks to build positive relationships between the youth's families and the host families, nurturing a spirit of gratitude towards the nation. It aims to enhance life skills and leadership qualities, promoting coexistence amid religious, linguistic, and cultural diversity while fostering understanding among people from various parts of Thailand. The program spans approximately one month and is completely free for participants.
Mr. Arsit indicated that the program is open to children and youth aged 15 to 19 years residing in the specified provinces and districts. Interested individuals can submit their applications during office hours within the designated period at their local district offices, ensuring easy access for all eligible candidates.
For more information, interested parties are encouraged to visit the Facebook page of the San Jai Thai Su Jai Tai Foundation.