Thai Philanthropists ? Are There Any ?

[thwock]

has anyone seen or heard of a wealthy thai giving large sums to help their fellow poor thais anywhere?

i cant recall seeing any major wealth givers , apart from funds to a temple .that is to ensure a better next time around.

are they all greedy, money grabbing and selfish ?

[Mid]

are they all greedy, money grabbing and selfish ?

No

[mrtoad]

"has anyone seen or heard of a wealthy thai giving large sums to help their fellow poor thais anywhere?

i cant recall seeing any major wealth givers , apart from funds to a temple .that is to ensure a better next time around.

are they all greedy, money grabbing and selfish ?" (thwock, 2007)

Looks like another attempt at making a general sweeping statement to bash Thai people.

Go trolling somewhere else.

Edited August 17, 2007 by mrtoad

[lannarebirth]

Most of the most generous Thais I've met were not rich at all. I've been to several small scale orphanages where a jai dee lady or couple were caring for many chidren on practically no budget at all.

[sukanyacondo]

I sometimes go with my wife to a local "hospital/orphange" and we always take food and money for them, usually my wife also gets money from friends at her own comapny if they know she is going. I must admit I dont like going beacsue its very much like a Victorian freak show and I find it degrading for the residents but the state dont help them so its a big income for them when private individuals visit.

[sbk]

Interesting article about Thai philanthropy that perhaps gives a better explanation than the OP's

ASIA PACIFIC PHILANTHROPY CONSORTIUM

STRENGTHENING PHILANTHROPY IN THE ASIA PACIFIC :

Background Paper: Thailand

July 2001

INTRODUCTION

This is a country situation paper written for the forthcoming Asia Pacific Philanthropy

Consortium Conference in July 2001. A general format with topical guidelines has been

assigned to all country papers to ensure comparability of data among the different

countries.

CONTEXT OF PHILANTHROPY IN THAILAND

Thai society has enjoyed a long tradition of philanthropic giving from the past. As a

Buddhist country, giving for the accumulation of personal religious merit and for

charitable causes to help the poor and desolate are well ingrained into Thai cultural

beliefs and Thai behavioral practices. If one could loosely and broadly equate

philanthropy with giving in different forms, even in one's limited or extensive network of

social relations, Thailand would rank high. In traditional Thai society, water jars were

placed outside people’s homes for thirsty passers-by. Travelers to villages, even complete

strangers, would find lodging and food from hospitable local dwellers.

Each local community was structured around a temple that served as the heart and soul,

or center, of the community. The temple was the locus of philanthropy, both in terms of

giving and receiving. As community members gave to its temples with devotion and

piety, the temple returned a large portion of the donations to the community in the form

of such services as education, health, food and refuge for the aged, poor, handicapped and

marginalized, and sustenance and protection for his/her own family.

Today, even with rapid social change, Thai people continue to give to temples, monks,

and other religious-based activities. According to figures quoted by Dr. Wit and Dr.

Surasit from a study, Funding for the Not-for-Profit Sector,

1996 national census data

show that 95.07 percent of the Thai population is Buddhist. Of the 16,428,400

households in Thailand, an average sum of 742 baht per household was given to religion.

This estimate is a total of roughly 12,190 million baht a year.

Dr. Wit Sattayarakvit and Dr. Surasit Wachirakachorn. 2001. Funding for the Not-for-Profit Sector: A

Summary of Buddhist Temples. Center for Philanthropy and Civil Society. National Institute and

Development Administration.

We do not know how far or how close the above figures are to the reality of religious

giving, but any observer of Buddhist temples in Thailand can attest to the vibrant

activities related to fundraising. The study by Wit and Surasit recorded one famous

temple with 68 donation boxes for 52 different purposes. Millions of baht flow in and

out of banks of famous temples on weekends and during religious festivals every day.

In Thailand, religious giving may be a personal act in quest of merit accumulation for the

present or for future existences. Giving to religion could also mean accumulating merit

for loved ones, living or departed. It could be an act of atonement for an intentional or

unintentional misdeed, as well as an act of bribery to solicit protection from harm or

danger, to ward off bad luck or misfortune, or to enhance power, fortune, prestige and

status from powers larger than mere mortals.

Giving to religious-based activities is predicated on faith. Hence, the act of giving itself

is thought to be sufficient and complete, because one does it out of good intentions and

good thoughts. To ask further how that money is used, where it goes, or what conditions

are set for its use, would appear to diminish an act of faith and could detract merit from

the giver. Hence, few Thais attempt to ask monks and temples the details and specifics of

their donations.

Individual giving constitutes a large part of giving because of the reasons mentioned

above. Corporations also give to charitable and philanthropic causes. With the exception

of some corporations that set up their own foundations or engage in philanthropy through

their public relations departments, most corporations in Thailand have yet to address

philanthropy in a systematic and proactive manner. Corporations often give to annual

religious merit-making during the Kratin season. But most corporations respond to

requests for giving from members of their boards, their CEOs and upper management

staff. Often, these groups are solicited through all types of philanthropic and charitable

fundraising events. Since Thailand is a society that gives priority to personal ties and

relationships, fundraising for charitable causes is enhanced by soliciting personal

networks of social relationships.

Giving to royal family members and royalty-sponsored projects and activities are

perceived as the proper and respectable way of giving. They are good causes because of

the overwhelming trust, admiration and loyalty to the King and the royal family. Giving

to royal causes is also perceived by many as enhancing one’s prestige, status and position,

especially if the givers receive mementos of appreciation from royal family members and

if pictures can be taken of the donations being presented to the royal family.

There are numerous foundations in Thailand, but they are generally neither large nor

professionally managed, nor are they operated like foundations in the West. Most

foundations are very small in terms of assets, scope of activities, programs, projects, and

staff members and volunteers. By comparison, Chinese foundations in Thailand enjoy a

longer history, more experience, diversified activities, programs and projects, and a

steady stream of income through regular donations and other income generating activities.

Many foundations are family foundations with limited endowments and only one or two

objectives, such as annual scholarships or awards. In fact, as many foundations come into

existence every year, many more go into dormancy, if not into a deep coma. In these

cases, we find that assets from many non-performing and non-operating foundations

remain inactive from lack of use. As years go by, one may find that many family

foundations have lost their vitality and efficacy when the descendents of the family are

either not interested or are incapable of carrying on the activities. Different voices have

lobbied for the authorities involved with monitoring foundations (like the National

Cultural Commission) to consolidate money from inactive foundations and use them for

worthy philanthropic activities. The authorities are reluctant to do this, either for legal

issues or because it may require time and energy to convert assets from inactive

foundations into a productive use.

CURRENT ISSUES PURPOSES OF PHILANTHROPY

Although no actual research has been conducted on this subject, it would be safe to say

that Thai people tend to give to disaster relief because it feels good to be humanitarian. It

fits well with Thai people’s liking for ad hoc activities and dislike for long-term

commitments. Also, natural disasters can occur to anyone at any time, evoking empathy

and sympathy. Social services strike a note of sympathy from Thai people, especially if

the recipients are perceived to be vulnerable, like children, the elderly or the disabled.

Giving to economic development is likely, since there is recognition and awareness of the

plight of the poor by some segments of society. Giving is less likely for policy advocacy,

because its direct relevance is not well recognized. Not unlike a general bias in many

countries, Thai people have expressed in various ways that philanthropy should be

operated and managed by volunteers. There is an inherent mistrust of philanthropic

activities carried out by well-paid professionals in the nonprofit sector. This belief makes

it difficult to have professional staff in nonprofit organizations because administrative

costs must be kept to an unreasonably low level.

unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/APCITY/UNPAN005489.pdf

[Stephen Cleary]

has anyone seen or heard of a wealthy thai giving large sums to help their fellow poor thais anywhere?

i cant recall seeing any major wealth givers , apart from funds to a temple .that is to ensure a better next time around.

are they all greedy, money grabbing and selfish ?

After 17 years or so in LOS, i have witnessed countless Thais giving donations to their needy counterparts. As for proclaiming that the Thais are all greedy, money and selfish - well, that is rather... as we would say in English 'Generalizing'.

Where you have got your prejudice against Thais from...well - that is your business, but it's quite obvious that you have been conditioned by 'unreliable' sources.

[Neeranam]

has anyone seen or heard of a wealthy thai giving large sums to help their fellow poor thais anywhere?

i cant recall seeing any major wealth givers , apart from funds to a temple .that is to ensure a better next time around.

are they all greedy, money grabbing and selfish ?

Do you spend a lot of time in Pattaya?

[thwock]

i am not talking about general thais giving as my post says ,but mega wealthy thais giving in the millions such as european philanthropists have done in the past to universities for the poorer sections of society . No doubt you wouldnt include tawit as a giver of funds to the poor . How much did the wealthy sections of hiso's ever give to the poor members of thai instead of stuffing their fat mouths with ever more Benz and all the usual trappings of wealth? not many i would bet .

How much did Thaksin ever give to poor thais for example ?

all those unctious lickspittle farangs around here who have nothing sensible to add can hold your tongues , we know your old familiar refrain off by heart .

[Mid]

all those unctious lickspittle farangs around here who have nothing sensible to add can hold your tongues

swallow your own ........ , and read post #7

ignoramus

[khall64au]

Wow Thwock - you sound angry!

There are many rich or famous Thai people who head up charity organisations and sustainability campaigns eg. Mae Chee Sansanee - a world renowned Buddhist nun who was formerly a noted celebrity; or Meechai Viravaidya - a former Senator and humanitarian award winner for his work supporting the underpriveleged.

There must be many wealthy Thai philanthropists about - who do not revel in mainstream publicity! ??

[OxfordWill]

Thank you for the interesting article SBK

[Jet Gorgon]

i am not talking about general thais giving as my post says ,but mega wealthy thais giving in the millions such as european philanthropists have done in the past to universities for the poorer sections of society . No doubt you wouldnt include tawit as a giver of funds to the poor . How much did the wealthy sections of hiso's ever give to the poor members of thai instead of stuffing their fat mouths with ever more Benz and all the usual trappings of wealth? not many i would bet .

How much did Thaksin ever give to poor thais for example ?

all those unctious lickspittle farangs around here who have nothing sensible to add can hold your tongues , we know your old familiar refrain off by heart .

Thais give generously. They just don't advertise it.

[nedwalk]

did,nt i read about an ex pollie or something organising some kind of soccer team or someting? maybe he,s trying to help the poor about getting excited with sports!!!

[sbk]

How much did Thaksin ever give to poor thais for example ?

Plenty, millions in fact. 200 baht a vote at a time, spread out over several provinces

all those unctious lickspittle farangs around here who have nothing sensible to add can hold your tongues , we know your old familiar refrain off by heart .

Suggest you learn that everyone is entitled to their opinion and just because it differs from your own doesn't make it any less valid. Also, might learn to be a tad more polite while you are at it

[endure]

The OP (a multi-joiner) has flown the coop...

[lazeeboy]

i am not talking about general thais giving as my post says ,but mega wealthy thais giving in the millions such as european philanthropists have done in the past to universities for the poorer sections of society . No doubt you wouldnt include tawit as a giver of funds to the poor . How much did the wealthy sections of hiso's ever give to the poor members of thai instead of stuffing their fat mouths with ever more Benz and all the usual trappings of wealth? not many i would bet .

How much did Thaksin ever give to poor thais for example ?

all those unctious lickspittle farangs around here who have nothing sensible to add can hold your tongues , we know your old familiar refrain off by heart .

he gave a bag of rice to everyone that voted him in office a few years ago

[cdnvic]

Pricha Phisittkasem

His recent obituary in Asiaweek:

PRICHA PHISITTKASEM, 83, SINO-THAI philanthropist (Chinese name: Xie Huiru); in Bangkok May 12. Born in China's southern Guangdong province, Pricha came to Thailand at the age of 14 to escape civil war on the mainland. Starting as an unskilled worker in the Khon Kaen region, he went on to build up businesses in cold storage, insurance and construction. During his lifetime, Pricha donated several billion baht to charity and promoted social causes within Thailand. In May 1992, the Chinese government erected a bronze, life-size statue of Pricha in Beijing to honor him for his contribution to the betterment of relations between Thailand and China.

Porntip Nakhirunkanok

Angels Wings Foundation was founded in 2002 as a direct means to build and fund schools, orphanages, supply healthcare and support various issues that impact underprivileged children in Thailand. Shaped from under the wings of native Thai philanthropist, former Miss Universe, Good Will Ambassador to the United Nations and spokesperson for UNICEF and the UNFPA, Porntip Bui Simon (Porntip Nakhirunkanok), Angels Wings has built schools in rural Thailand and continues to supply funding and tuition for the students in these institutions.

Those are the first two hits on Google. If you look further you'll find more. If you can search in Thai, you'll get much more.

[Aujuba]

E. Scrooge eventually gave back to the people in his old age but until that time he screwed over his employees. First pay your employees well. Philanthropy is good but it doesn't always show the truth. Look at the lives of the employees to see how kind-hearted their boss was.

Edited August 18, 2007 by Aujuba

[cdnvic]

E. Scrooge eventually gave back to the people in his old age but until that time he screwed over his employees.

You do know he wasn't real right?

[Pink Mist]

E. Scrooge eventually gave back to the people in his old age but until that time he screwed over his employees.

You do know he wasn't real right?

what are you saying Vic?

[bendix]

Despite the pathetic attempt by the now banned OP (in this guise anyway), this is an interesting thread.

The firm I work for has recently established a foundation to celebrate it's 30th year of business in Thailand. We've joined forces with the RTAF to do lots of stuff, including building library facilities, take on 'project villages', and all that usual gumph, in various parts of the country.

Because of the profile of the place I work in and the contacts of the partners, we have been been approached (unsolicited) by many wealthy thais who are not only donating their own funds but are also involving their companies to assist with the project.

[roietjimmy]

has anyone seen or heard of a wealthy thai giving large sums to help their fellow poor thais anywhere?

i cant recall seeing any major wealth givers , apart from funds to a temple .that is to ensure a better next time around.

are they all greedy, money grabbing and selfish ?

And members of other religious organizations aren't motivated by the same!!

Edited August 18, 2007 by roietjimmy

[ColPyat]

The Thai-Chinese foundations all over the country, such as Por Teck Tueng, involved in rescue, disaster relief, funerals for unclaimed corpses, and support of the needy are mostly financed by donations of rich Thai-Chinese business clans.

[junkofdavid2]

So sorry you've been countlessly turned down, Thwock...

But I think they've got much better causes to give to!

[cdnvic]

The Thai-Chinese foundations all over the country, such as Por Teck Tueng, involved in rescue, disaster relief, funerals for unclaimed corpses, and support of the needy are mostly financed by donations of rich Thai-Chinese business clans.

That happens wherever Chinese establish themselves all over the world too. The largest charities in the early days of the century in my part of the globe were all run (and many still exist) by Chinese merchant families.

[Jersey_UK]

The Thai-Chinese foundations all over the country, such as Por Teck Tueng, involved in rescue, disaster relief, funerals for unclaimed corpses, and support of the needy are mostly financed by donations of rich Thai-Chinese business clans.

The Missus used to work for one of these 15 years back, driving around BKK picking up Corpses for fun.......right up her street that All for free of course, but "good to do".

Apparently used to be the odd fight / altercation over a corpse .........cos' they were effectively competing with commercial enterprises who were motivated $$$$ wise for the corpses.

At the moment the Missus works for a Thai NGO, apparently fairly small, although their are a couple of far bigger rival NGO's (including a very big one supported by the King. TRT used to do the same, but closed / renamed now) which does health care type work for poor people sends Doctors and Nurses out and about and gives guidance on health care / preventation as well as dealing with drug issues.

So whilst I cannot say I have ever met any Thai Philanthropists I figure they must be around somewhere - plus many of the people involved to run them / do the work are motivated by more than purely $$$$ - even if now and then the Missus does moan she earns less than a Burmese Illegal and it costs her money each month to keep the job!!, she really loves helping people who need her help. Good for her, good for them and good for me

[ColPyat]

The Thai-Chinese foundations all over the country, such as Por Teck Tueng, involved in rescue, disaster relief, funerals for unclaimed corpses, and support of the needy are mostly financed by donations of rich Thai-Chinese business clans.

The Missus used to work for one of these 15 years back, driving around BKK picking up Corpses for fun.......right up her street that All for free of course, but "good to do".

I know.

Don't forget - they nearly married you and me a while ago...

[bangkoksingapore]

the former PM

[Tony Clifton]

i am not talking about general thais giving as my post says ,but mega wealthy thais giving in the millions such as european philanthropists have done in the past to universities for the poorer sections of society . No doubt you wouldnt include tawit as a giver of funds to the poor . How much did the wealthy sections of hiso's ever give to the poor members of thai instead of stuffing their fat mouths with ever more Benz and all the usual trappings of wealth? not many i would bet .

How much did Thaksin ever give to poor thais for example ?

all those unctious lickspittle farangs around here who have nothing sensible to add can hold your tongues , we know your old familiar refrain off by heart .

he gave a bag of rice to everyone that voted him in office a few years ago

And a few thousand baht notes from his shirt pocket in Roi Et on his reality show but that was probably from his office budget.