Southeast Asia’s First Automated Giving Machine Launches in Bangkok

A global movement in charitable giving officially launched on November 29, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand, as the Giving Machine opened its doors at Siam Paragon’s NEXTOPIA, marking its debut as the first installation in Southeast Asia.

The interactive kiosk, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, successfully transformed high-traffic retail space into a hub of generosity by allowing visitors to select specific aid items for local and global charities, guaranteed 100% free of operational fees, proving its innovative model can convert consumer spending power into life-saving support. 

The inauguration ceremony was a success, drawing attention from community and spiritual leaders and immediately engaging the public. The event featured addresses and the first official donations from Dr. Bhichit Rattakul, former Governor of Bangkok, Asia Area President Elder Benjamin M.Z. Tai and National Communication Council Director Sathit Kaivalvatana from the Church.

Elder Tai said, “We are grateful for our partners and their dedication to this project. This is the first year the Giving Machine has come to Bangkok, and it is meaningful to bring it to a country known for kindness and generosity. During this Christmas season, we are honored to give back to the community. Everyone has a light to share, and by supporting the Giving Machine, we can make a positive difference together.”

“Giving begins with opening opportunities for others,” Dr. Rattakul said. “The Giving Machine reminds us of the reality between those who have and those who have not. Even small donations can awaken society to the importance of compassion. Each item represents underprivileged groups who lack what many of us take for granted. More than a donation tool, it encourages Thai society to embrace the spirit of giving. My sincere thanks to everyone who contributes.”

The Bangkok installation is a key part of the annual Light the World initiative, which invites people worldwide to celebrate Christmas by following the example of Jesus Christ in caring for and serving others. The Giving Machine Initiative has expanded significantly this year, and is now operational in 126 cities across 21 countries and 6 continents. This global movement partners with more than 500 nonprofit organizations worldwide and offers over 4,000 items available for donation, underscoring the success and reach of this unique charitable model.

Attendees in Bangkok were excited to engage with the Giving Machine’s unique process. The user experience is designed to be fun, fast, engaging, personal, and transparent, allowing donors to select the precise item they wish to fund. Purchases made at the Giving Machine include specific items, such as educational kits for the visually impaired (The Charity Foundation for the Blind in Thailand Under the Royal Patronage of H.M. the King), essential provisions (iCare Thailand Foundation), vaccination sets for children (Rotary International District 3350) and vital educational resources (Sikkha Asia Foundation).

Kornkanok Siriwong, Director of the Charity Foundation for The Blind in Thailand, commented on the direct link between the donations and empowerment, “The items chosen through the Giving Machine—such as educational kits and technology—are essential investments for our students. This is far more than just aid; it directly funds vocational training and provides tools for the visually impaired community to gain independence and long-term career opportunities.”

A Bangkok donor shared her experience, “It felt completely different from dropping cash in a box. I got to choose a specific meal kit for an elderly person, and seeing the item appear on the screen made the donation feel so personal and real. It's modern merit-making.”

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Participating Thai Beneficiary Charities are:

• The Charity Foundation for the Blind in Thailand Under the Royal Patronage of H.M. the King
• iCare Foundation
• Sikkha Asia Foundation
• Rotary International District 3350

The Giving Machine is now open to the public at Siam Paragon’s NEXTOPIA until December 29, 2025. It is part of the annual Light the World initiative, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church covers all operational expenses, enabling beneficiary charities to receive 100% of every donation.

Visit Giving Machine Bangkok on Facebook and Instagram for a list of events happening in NEXTOPIA. To learn more about this global Initiative, visit GivingMachine.org