The Northern School for the Blind under the Patronage of the Queen,

Chiang Mai, Thailand

In 1960, the Northern School for the Blind (NSB) was established by nine committee members of the foundation who provided education for visually impaired students at kindergarten, and primary levels. At that time, the president of the committee was Mr. Vorasak  Nimanan. The school was first opened on 17 May 1960, and it was in a temporary building on Rachamakra Road. Until 28 September, 1962 Their Majesties the King and the Queen had a royal sojourn in Chiangmai. They offered the committee and the students  permission to visit and donated about 20,000 baht to the school.

Afterwards Her Majesty the Queen gave  support to the school and the school has been  under her patronage since the year 1964. Her Majesty the Queen visited and presented the first building at the opening ceremony on 14 May 1964.

The school became government owned under the Ministry of Education in 1980 and it was allowed to provide education at secondary level. It emphasized vocational training and normal curriculum. Most Students came from the northern provinces of Thailand. At present there are 213 students, 29 teachers and 51 other staff.

The main school area of 5,380 sq.  metres, for kindergarten and primary students and the multiple disabled is located in Arruk Road, Chiangmai. Integrated students board on these premises while studying outside in regular schools.

                In 1997, the school acquired 40,000 sq. metres of land 24 km away from the city which is used as a vocational training center for students aged 15 years and over. All students there are boarders.