Giving Machine Initiative Concludes Successfully in Bangkok, Bringing Light to Thousands

The 2025 Light the World Giving Machine charitable fundraising campaign in Bangkok, organized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has successfully concluded. This marked the city’s first year participating in this global Christmas tradition of charity-giving.

Hosted at Nextopia, the new section of Siam Paragon, the campaign brought together charitable organizations, business leaders, academic professionals, celebrities and families across Bangkok, all united in a meaningful effort to support individuals and communities in need.

These people included: Lady Benchapa Krairiksh, chairwoman of the Board Pratthanadee Foundation in northeast Thailand, and her husband, former Thai Ambassador to the U.S. H.E. Sakthip Krairiksh; Sunantha Somboontham, president of the St. Joseph Foundation; Puwanat Kunpalin, Thai television host and media personality, and his wife, Alisa Phanthusak.

From Nov. 29 to Dec. 29, 2025, nearly 1,000 donors contributed more than 250,000 baht to four beneficiary organizations: the Charity for the Blind in Thailand, Sikkha Asia Foundation, Rotary International and the iCare Foundation. These organizations provide critical services such as food, education, medical assistance, and essential support to vulnerable groups throughout Thailand.

“We hope that the Giving Machine project will create a meaningful opportunity for the public to participate in the act of giving, while expanding the reach of our humanitarian efforts even further,” said Mr. Tawatchai Chatvittayano, Governor of the Rotary International District 3350. “We believe that contributions made through the Giving Machine will deliver essential support directly to Rotary beneficiaries —whether it be safety equipment, hygiene items, clean water, or livelihood development — all of which play a crucial role in genuinely improving the quality of life for people in our communities.”

The Bangkok community responded positively to the Giving Machine. Many visitors expressed appreciation for the project’s transparency and the ability to donate directly to specific needs.

“For most donations, you may not know who ultimately receive the benefit of your donation,” said Apichat Choysrakoo, Bangkok Giving Machine City Lead. “But with the Giving Machine, you immediately know which charities will use the money to help the people you have chosen to support.”

Elder Benjamin M. Z. Tai, Asia Area President of the Church expressed heartfelt appreciation to the charity partners, volunteers and the Bangkok community for making the campaign possible.

“We believe as we work together in a common cause, we each bring unique gifts and talents together, and we can change the world together,” he remarked.

About the Giving Machine

Giving Machine is a part of the global Light the World Christmas initiative by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Since its introduction in 2017, Giving Machine have raised millions of dollars worldwide for humanitarian organizations and community charities.

With the close of the 2025 campaign, discussions are already underway regarding future opportunities for the Giving Machine in Thailand. Local leaders hope the tradition will continue to inspire acts of service and generosity for years to come.