Three Thais make the list of Forbes' seventh 'Heroes of Philanthropy'
The Nation


Kree

BANGKOK: -- Kree Dejchai, William Heinecke, Piriya Krairiksh and Sukum Navapan will represent Thailand in Forbes' "48 Heroes of Philanthropy", the US business magazine's seventh annual project highlighting the generous and innovative efforts of the Asia-Pacific region's most notable givers.

Some of these altruists have embarked on big projects - funding new departments at universities or launching campaigns to improve the lives of the rural poor. Others aim to make their mark in more targeted ways, paying for holiday homecomings for low-income workers or boosting a city's library system.

Some are billionaires who have built wealthy foundations and are now wrestling with issues of transition. Others are famous singers or actors who are using their star power to promote their favourite causes.

All are leaving the region a powerful legacy - whether it's museums, symphony orchestras, a global project to eradicate polio, rural kindergartens, free health clinics or help for war refugees.

Kree, 50, chief operating officer of SC Asset, is on the list for his role in the real-estate development company's donations to school libraries, hospitals, flood victims and people with disabilities. Last year he focused on nutrition, giving US$70,000 (Bt2.1 million) so that 1,300 children could have a good breakfast, while enlisting hospitals and the governments to put nutrition programmes in place. Next he plans aid for new mothers and infants.

Heinecke, 64, founder and chief executive officer of Minor International, is recognised for his patronage of the displaced and for elephants in Thailand, where he has been a citizen since 1991. Over the past 10 years he has donated more than $1 million to help elephants and their mahouts. His assistance has ranged from providing medical care to opening a protected retirement ranch for elephants - culminating in an annual high-profile fund-raising elephant polo match.

Piriya, 71, a retired professor of art history, is recognised for the establishment of the Piriya Krairiksh Foundation to promote art, which challenges orthodox beliefs and encourages research into the art history of Thailand and nearby countries. The foundation also sponsors lectures, publications, research and study trips as well as providing scholarships. On the agenda for 2015: a conference about the region's art history to coincide with the launch of greater economic integration for Asean countries.

Sukum, 88, chairman of City Sports & Recreation, has through his Sukumo Foundation contributed more than $3 million to educational and cultural activities. He chairs the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation, which promotes classical music and music education. He is also a long-standing patron of Huachiew Chalermprakiet University and Sukum Navapan Uppatum School. In addition, he is an active member of the Thai Olympic Committee and the Table Tennis Association.

According to Forbes, the selections are subjective: Figures for contributions are not always available, so a ranking by size of donations is not possible. Instead the project aims for a mix of people and causes. Forbes also tries to identify an entirely new group of philanthropists each year, though a few people return to the list because of a newsworthy donation or project.

And it picks only true philanthropists - people who are giving their own money, not their company's (unless they own most of the company), because donating shareholder funds is not charity.


-- The Nation 2013-06-01

I am shocked that the Shinawatra's attempts to improve the quality of life of Thailand's poor goes unrecognised by Forbes.

It seems massive failures funded by taxpayer's money and involving huge conflict of interest issues, just don't make the cut. Perhaps next year.

It's great to see a rare article on charitable giving in Thailand. However the numbers cited in the article are piddling amounts for global charitable giving in the scale of things and the wealthy in Thailand. The article also does not clarify that these amounts are aggregate amounts or annual gifts. The lack of news on large scale charitable giving in Thailand is probably because there is little of it by the big guys.

I am shocked that the Shinawatra's attempts to improve the quality of life of Thailand's poor goes unrecognised by Forbes.

It seems massive failures funded by taxpayer's money and involving huge conflict of interest issues, just don't make the cut. Perhaps next year.

"And it picks only true philanthropists - people who are giving their own money" I've never read nor heard of any Shinawatra being philanthropic, ever.

I am shocked that the Shinawatra's attempts to improve the quality of life of Thailand's poor goes unrecognised by Forbes.

It seems massive failures funded by taxpayer's money and involving huge conflict of interest issues, just don't make the cut. Perhaps next year.

"And it picks only true philanthropists - people who are giving their own money" I've never read nor heard of any Shinawatra being philanthropic, ever.

By the same logic if 5 Thais got nominated for the Nobel peace prize you would bash the current ruling government of Thailand for not being among them?

Is this 3 Thais and Bill Heinecke, who apparently have the largest personal donation.

I am shocked that the Shinawatra's attempts to improve the quality of life of Thailand's poor goes unrecognised by Forbes.

It seems massive failures funded by taxpayer's money and involving huge conflict of interest issues, just don't make the cut. Perhaps next year.

Khun Kree is actually working for SC Assets (a Shinawatra Co). Then again most of those people mentioned here, has been making their fortunes on the back of poor people. And now by paying a small percentage back to society, they suddenly becomes "Heroes of Philantrophy". They are simply making merit, so they can feel good about themselves!

What's heroic about stamp collecting that's what I want to know. Whatever next? Recognizing people who collect Coca Cola memorabilia or Japanese Gokkum porn?

I am shocked that the Shinawatra's attempts to improve the quality of life of Thailand's poor goes unrecognised by Forbes.

It seems massive failures funded by taxpayer's money and involving huge conflict of interest issues, just don't make the cut. Perhaps next year.

"And it picks only true philanthropists - people who are giving their own money" I've never read nor heard of any Shinawatra being philanthropic, ever.

By the same logic if 5 Thais got nominated for the Nobel peace prize you would bash the current ruling government of Thailand for not being among them?

Shinawatras have the wealth to enable philanthropy, but they CHOOSE not to use that opportunity, whereas the intelligence required to win a Nobel Prize is not so easily stolen.

I am shocked that the Shinawatra's attempts to improve the quality of life of Thailand's poor goes unrecognised by Forbes.

It seems massive failures funded by taxpayer's money and involving huge conflict of interest issues, just don't make the cut. Perhaps next year.

"And it picks only true philanthropists - people who are giving their own money" I've never read nor heard of any Shinawatra being philanthropic, ever.

By the same logic if 5 Thais got nominated for the Nobel peace prize you would bash the current ruling government of Thailand for not being among them?

Shinawatras have the wealth to enable philanthropy, but they CHOOSE not to use that opportunity, whereas the intelligence required to win a Nobel Prize is not so easily stolen.

You missed my point. I am tired of the Shnawatras being dragged into every thread even when there is no connection. Not all of us are OCD anti Shinawatras. Scott said in another thread, "I do grow weary of endless posting about Thaksin and every attempt to bring him into every thread, regardless of how tenuous a link can be made." And I agree; this thread of Heres of Philanthropy has absolutly nothing to do with the Shinawatras.

I am shocked that the Shinawatra's attempts to improve the quality of life of Thailand's poor goes unrecognised by Forbes.

It seems massive failures funded by taxpayer's money and involving huge conflict of interest issues, just don't make the cut. Perhaps next year.

"And it picks only true philanthropists - people who are giving their own money" I've never read nor heard of any Shinawatra being philanthropic, ever.

By the same logic if 5 Thais got nominated for the Nobel peace prize you would bash the current ruling government of Thailand for not being among them?

Shinawatras have the wealth to enable philanthropy, but they CHOOSE not to use that opportunity, whereas the intelligence required to win a Nobel Prize is not so easily stolen.

And Dhanin Chearavanont & family (worth $14.3 Billion), the Chirathivat family ($6.9 Billion), the Yoovidhya Family (Red Bull, $5.4 Billion)?

Apparently they have the wealth and choose not to (unless you count the red bull heir of passing on his driving skills) why did you not mention them, far richer than Thaksin?

I am shocked that the Shinawatra's attempts to improve the quality of life of Thailand's poor goes unrecognised by Forbes.

It seems massive failures funded by taxpayer's money and involving huge conflict of interest issues, just don't make the cut. Perhaps next year.

"And it picks only true philanthropists - people who are giving their own money" I've never read nor heard of any Shinawatra being philanthropic, ever.

By the same logic if 5 Thais got nominated for the Nobel peace prize you would bash the current ruling government of Thailand for not being among them?

Is Thaksin Shinawatra the current ruling government.. my my.. i thought it was a coalition led by the Phua Thai party.

Apparently they have the wealth and choose not to (unless you count the red bull heir of passing on his driving skills) why did you not mention them, far richer than Thaksin?

It would appear that Dhanin spends his money in China helping the rural poor.. The Chirathivats have charitable foundations from Central group... Yoovidhya... it would seem they are funding a drug rehabilitation scheme

I am shocked that the Shinawatra's attempts to improve the quality of life of Thailand's poor goes unrecognised by Forbes.

It seems massive failures funded by taxpayer's money and involving huge conflict of interest issues, just don't make the cut. Perhaps next year.

"And it picks only true philanthropists - people who are giving their own money" I've never read nor heard of any Shinawatra being philanthropic, ever.

By the same logic if 5 Thais got nominated for the Nobel peace prize you would bash the current ruling government of Thailand for not being among them?

Maybe they could win for stealing from their own Country, rather than giving?

By the same logic if 5 Thais got nominated for the Nobel peace prize you would bash the current ruling government of Thailand for not being among them?

Shinawatras have the wealth to enable philanthropy, but they CHOOSE not to use that opportunity, whereas the intelligence required to win a Nobel Prize is not so easily stolen.

And Dhanin Chearavanont & family (worth $14.3 Billion), the Chirathivat family ($6.9 Billion), the Yoovidhya Family (Red Bull, $5.4 Billion)?

Apparently they have the wealth and choose not to (unless you count the red bull heir of passing on his driving skills) why did you not mention them, far richer than Thaksin?

That answer is simplicity defined - those you mentioned (AFAIK) do not claim to be champions of the poor. They may well be a bunch of hypocrites also, but not in the same field.

"And I agree; this thread of Heres of Philanthropy has absolutly nothing to do with the Shinawatras. ".......... Beautiful ! Could not have put it better myself. You will find any thread concerning good human traits like honesty, generosity, integrity etc has absolutely NOTHING to do with that evil family.

I am shocked that the Shinawatra's attempts to improve the quality of life of Thailand's poor goes unrecognised by Forbes.

It seems massive failures funded by taxpayer's money and involving huge conflict of interest issues, just don't make the cut. Perhaps next year.

"And it picks only true philanthropists - people who are giving their own money" I've never read nor heard of any Shinawatra being philanthropic, ever.

He has, however, planned to be charitable:

2008-03-12 New York Times

Thaksin's return has stirred the Thai political scene because of suspicion that he will seek a return to power and try to settle scores with those who deposed him.

He has insisted, though, that he has no interest in returning to politics and has said he plans to devote himself to charity work, sports and his family.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/12/world/asia/12iht-thai.1.10976255.html?_r=0

I am shocked that the Shinawatra's attempts to improve the quality of life of Thailand's poor goes unrecognised by Forbes.

It seems massive failures funded by taxpayer's money and involving huge conflict of interest issues, just don't make the cut. Perhaps next year.

"And it picks only true philanthropists - people who are giving their own money" I've never read nor heard of any Shinawatra being philanthropic, ever.

By the same logic if 5 Thais got nominated for the Nobel peace prize you would bash the current ruling government of Thailand for not being among them?

Is Thaksin Shinawatra the current ruling government.. my my.. i thought it was a coalition led by the Phua Thai party.

you are being disingenuous

The biggest bummer for the wealthy egocentric, is the physical fact that you can't take it with you.

Imagine the size of the trailers towed behind their Hurst's?

The biggest bummer for the wealthy egocentric, is the physical fact that you can't take it with you.

Imagine the size of the trailers towed behind their Hurst's?

That to me has always been the one possible downside to winning the lottery. Suddenly being freakishly wealthy followed by the paranoia that a freakish accident could end it all just as quickly.

"And it picks only true philanthropists - people who are giving their own money" I've never read nor heard of any Shinawatra being philanthropic, ever.

And Dhanin Chearavanont & family (worth $14.3 Billion), the Chirathivat family ($6.9 Billion), the Yoovidhya Family (Red Bull, $5.4 Billion)?

Apparently they have the wealth and choose not to (unless you count the red bull heir of passing on his driving skills) why did you not mention them, far richer than Thaksin?

I think the article above made it clear, those selected this year are not meant to represent the LARGEST givers in any kind of ranking.

They're just givers the magazine chose to recognize this year. As the article stated, there's no absolute record of charitable giving that would easily enable an actual financial ranking by amount. And it likewise noted they try to recognize different people year to year -- not the same bigshots year to year.

I know in the case of the Chearavanont family, they do A LOT of charitable giving, not sure on the division between personal funds vs. corporate funds, or if there is any meaningful distinction between those two in the case of the Chearavanont's holdings. But I'm pretty sure their giving over the past decade would dwarf the amounts mentioned in the OP above.

Now, would it represent a larger portion/percentage of their wealth vs. those mentioned above, on that point I'd have no idea.

Just shows how even a feel good article about recognizing a few people that do give, regardless of the amount, can degenerate into muck by some of the misfits that post on Thai Visa.

I should like to remind readers of the story of the widow's mite.

In the story, a widow donates two small coins, while wealthy people donate much more. Jesus explains to his disciples that the small sacrifices of the poor mean more to God than the extravagant, but proportionately lesser, donations of the rich.

I have a great deal more respect towards people who give anonymously, seeking no reward or plaudits, than I do towards moguls seeking public approbation.

BTW the UK is one of only 7 countries that allocates the internationally agreed target of 0.7 of GDP to foreign aid. The amount of money handed out equates to £134 per head of population.

BTW the UK is one of only 7 countries that allocates the internationally agreed target of 0.7 of GDP to foreign aid. The amount of money handed out equates to £134 per head of population.

More recent data?

Shinawatras have the wealth to enable philanthropy, but they CHOOSE not to use that opportunity, whereas the intelligence required to win a Nobel Prize is not so easily stolen.

You missed my point. I am tired of the Shnawatras being dragged into every thread even when there is no connection. Not all of us are OCD anti Shinawatras. Scott said in another thread, "I do grow weary of endless posting about Thaksin and every attempt to bring him into every thread, regardless of how tenuous a link can be made." And I agree; this thread of Heres of Philanthropy has absolutly nothing to do with the Shinawatras.

"Kree, 50, chief operating officer of SC Asset, is on the list for his role in the real-estate development company's donations to school libraries, hospitals, flood victims and people with disabilities."

So please tell me: who owns SC Assset.....

I am shocked that the Shinawatra's attempts to improve the quality of life of Thailand's poor goes unrecognised by Forbes.

It seems massive failures funded by taxpayer's money and involving huge conflict of interest issues, just don't make the cut. Perhaps next year.

I am shocked that the Shinawatra's attempts to improve the quality of life of Thailand's poor goes unrecognised by Forbes.

It seems massive failures funded by taxpayer's money and involving huge conflict of interest issues, just don't make the cut. Perhaps next year.

They don't come much sicker than this chap who no doubt hides behind a Guy Fawks Mask as well.

I am shocked that the Shinawatra's attempts to improve the quality of life of Thailand's poor goes unrecognised by Forbes.

It seems massive failures funded by taxpayer's money and involving huge conflict of interest issues, just don't make the cut. Perhaps next year.

>I am shocked that the Shinawatra's attempts to improve the quality of life of Thailand's poor goes unrecognised by Forbes.

It seems massive failures funded by taxpayer's money and involving huge conflict of interest issues, just don't make the cut. Perhaps next year.

They don't come much sicker than this chap who no doubt hides behind a Guy Fawks Mask as well.

While I'd agree with you that Thaksin is one "sick chap", I've never heard of him hiding behind a Guy Fawkes mask before. Hiding behind a Kermit the Frog puppet is more his style.

 

 

 

 

 

Shinawatras have the wealth to enable philanthropy, but they CHOOSE not to use that opportunity, whereas the intelligence required to win a Nobel Prize is not so easily stolen.

You missed my point.  I am tired of the Shnawatras being dragged into every thread even when there is no connection.  Not all of us are OCD anti Shinawatras.  Scott said in another thread, "I do grow weary of endless posting about Thaksin and every attempt to bring him into every thread, regardless of how tenuous a link can be made."  And I agree; this thread of Heres of Philanthropy has absolutly nothing to do with the Shinawatras.  

"Kree, 50, chief operating officer of SC Asset, is on the list for his role in the real-estate development company's donations to school libraries, hospitals, flood victims and people with disabilities."

So please tell me: who owns SC Assset..... 

Not sure now... looking at the board of directors... maybe the Damapong family .

Thaksins ex-wifes (on paper anyway) family.

Sent from my GT-P1010 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I am shocked that the Shinawatra's attempts to improve the quality of life of Thailand's poor goes unrecognised by Forbes.

It seems massive failures funded by taxpayer's money and involving huge conflict of interest issues, just don't make the cut. Perhaps next year.

>I am shocked that the Shinawatra's attempts to improve the quality of life of Thailand's poor goes unrecognised by Forbes.

It seems massive failures funded by taxpayer's money and involving huge conflict of interest issues, just don't make the cut. Perhaps next

year.

They don't come much sicker than this chap who no doubt hides behind a Guy Fawks Mask as well.

While I'd agree with you that Thaksin is one "sick chap", I've never heard of him hiding behind a Guy Fawkes mask before. Hiding behind a Kermit the Frog puppet is more his style.

Careful.

Yingluck will sue!

You could have all the money in the world. It'd never save us.