About the Dulabhatorn Foundation
The Dulabhatorn Foundation is a non-religious, non-political nonprofit organisation based in Sansai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand. Founded in 2007 and operating under royal patronage, DBF provides therapeutic, educational, and vocational exploration programmes for children and young people with developmental disabilities across Northern Thailand. All programmes are free to participants.
DBF's mission: supporting the development of children and young people with developmental disabilities and empowering caregivers.
What We Do
DBF delivers an integrated programme of support spanning therapy, education, vocational exploration, and community inclusion.
Programmes include:
Therapy — occupational therapy, physical therapy, alternative communication (AAC) intervention, hydrotherapy, DohsaHou body movement therapy, equine therapy, and adaptive climbing, each selected for its clinical evidence base and practical accessibility.
Early intervention — structured developmental support during the critical early years, when investment in a child's development has the greatest long-term impact. Read more about why the first five years matter.
Vocational exploration — hands-on activities through DBF's café, organic farm, and artisan programme, giving young people with disabilities the opportunity to discover their capabilities and build independence in real working environments.
Community outreach — support for caregivers and families, recognising that a child's development depends on the strength of the whole family unit.
All of this is delivered at no cost to participants.
Our Approach
DBF's programmes are built on a single conviction: capability over dependency. Every child and young person, regardless of ability, has potential that can be developed with the right support. Our role is to build that capability — in the child, in the caregiver, and in the community — rather than to create reliance on a programme.
That philosophy shapes everything from how therapy sessions are structured to how the vocational exploration programme operates. Read more about DBF's capability-building philosophy.
Board of Directors
The Foundation's Board of Directors sets the direction of DBF's work, advising on technical, legal, financial, and fundraising activities and overseeing major expenditures, progress review, and financial monitoring.
Chairman Marianne Doberstyn — founder and director for over 20 years of the Montessori School of Washington DC, which she established and led before retiring to Chiang Mai. Co-founder of the Dulabhatorn Foundation.
Vice Chairman Natee Damrong — Mayor of San Sai Luang Sub-district, Chiang Mai, serving six consecutive terms. Recognised for community leadership, sustainable environmental management, and local infrastructure development across Sansai District.
Secretary Associate Professor Wilawan Senaratana — former two-term Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University. Pioneer of the Community Nurses for the Community project addressing rural healthcare access. Recipient of the Sri Sangwan Award 2018 for excellence in community nursing and an Honorary Doctorate from Chiang Mai University. Currently engaged in national health policy through the National Health Commission Office.
Board Member Dr Sansanee Rajchagool — former Director of the Intercountry Centre for Oral Health (ICOH) in Chiang Mai. Internationally recognised for collaboration with the WHO on community-based oral care models and research on oral health surveillance. Advocate for Social Dentistry and community-centred public health practice.
Executive Management Committee
The Executive Management Committee coordinates DBF's on-the-ground activities, working with the Foundation administration, community networks, and local contacts to identify appropriate individuals and partner organisations, formulate funding proposals, and maintain monitoring and evaluation standards across all active programmes.
Professional Exchange and Internships
The Dulabhatorn Foundation is a recognised site for professional and academic exchange. DBF welcomes interns from Thai and international universities, as well as visiting professionals seeking hands-on, cross-cultural experience in developmental disability practice. Internships and placements are arranged through institutional agreements and letters of understanding. Individuals interested in joining through this pathway should contact their university or institution in the first instance.
To learn more about DBF's story, read Our Story.
To support DBF's work, visit dulabhatornfoundation.com/support-us or contact the team at contact@dulabhatornfoundation.com or +66 (0) 53 350 303.
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. We believe in the potential of every child and work towards creating a world where they can fulfill their dreams and aspirations.
In Memory of Brian Doberstyn (1944–2023)
Brian Doberstyn co-founded the Dulabhatorn Foundation alongside his sister Marianne and remained its most devoted supporter until his death in 2023. For more than fifteen years he gave without reservation — financially, personally, and with an unwavering belief in the Foundation's work. The programmes he helped fund and the children whose lives changed because of his commitment are his enduring legacy. The Foundation continues under the direction of Marianne Doberstyn, guided by the values they built together.