Even without a regular income, young people make financial decisions every day—from managing money they receive from their parents and deciding what to buy to saving for future goals. Krungthai Card Public Company Limited (KTC) recently supported financial and economic learning through the MATCH HOUSE Leadership Camp, a leadership and business development program for young people aged 14–19. Through relatable, real-life scenarios, participants learned to interpret economic news, connect economic developments with everyday life, and plan their saving and spending—building a foundation for sound financial decision-making from an early age.
Ms. Janejit Ladpli, Head of Corporate Affairs and SD Business Integration Division at KTC, said financial education should not wait until young people enter the workforce or begin earning their own income. They are already making money-related decisions in their daily lives. The goal, therefore, is not simply to teach them to save or spend less, but to help them understand the thinking behind their choices and the consequences that may follow.
“We do not want to teach young people only how to spend money. We want them to learn how to think before they spend. In real life, no one makes the right decision every time. But those who know how to ask the right questions and understand the consequences of their choices are better equipped to learn from their decisions and navigate future challenges. This is the kind of skill KTC wants to pass on to the next generation.”
The program featured two learning sessions. The first, “Economics in Everyday Life: Understanding the World Through the News,” was led by Mr. Monchai Wongkittikraiwan, Economic Journalist and News Anchor. He showed participants how economic issues that may seem removed from everyday life—including inflation, interest rates, exchange rates, and AI-driven changes in the world of work—can directly affect their lives and future. Participants were also encouraged to question the information they encounter. One example was: “If inflation falls, does that mean prices have gone down?” The exercise was designed to help them look beyond headlines, understand context, and consider information more carefully before making decisions.
The second session, “Building Financial Discipline: Save Smart, Spend Wisely,” was led by Ms. Natthaporn Plengrat, Founder of Credit Card Promo Hunting and Creator of Fresh Money, a Facebook page focused on personal finance. She shared practical approaches to money management, from tracking income and expenses and setting aside savings to comparing options before making a purchase and using promotions and privileges appropriately. Through hands-on financial planning activities, participants learned that spending wisely does not mean spending as little as possible. It means making choices that reflect their needs, goals, and available resources.
KTC’s support for financial education among young people reflects its commitment to applying its financial expertise in ways that are relevant to everyday life. By helping young people understand economic information, plan their finances, and make informed choices, KTC aims to equip them with practical financial skills that can support them through their education, future careers, and long-term goals.
Symbol: KTC