The 2025 Light the World Giving Machine charitablefundraising 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 Christmastradition of charity-giving.Hosted at Nextopia, the new section of Siam Paragon, the campaign brought togethercharitable organizations, business leaders, academic professionals, celebrities and familiesacross Bangkok, all united in a meaningful effort to support individuals and communities inneed.
These people included: Lady Benchapa Krairiksh, chairwoman of the Board PratthanadeeFoundation 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; PuwanatKunpalin, 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 tofour beneficiary organizations: the Charity for the Blind in Thailand, Sikkha Asia Foundation,Rotary International and the iCare Foundation. These organizations provide critical servicessuch as food, education, medical assistance, and essential support to vulnerable groupsthroughout Thailand.“We hope that the Giving Machine project will create a meaningful opportunity for the publicto participate in the act of giving, while expanding the reach of our humanitarian efforts evenfurther,” said Mr. Tawatchai Chatvittayano, Governor of the Rotary International District3350. “We believe that contributions made through the Giving Machine will deliver essentialsupport directly to Rotary beneficiaries —whether it be safety equipment, hygiene items, cleanwater, or livelihood development — all of which play a crucial role in genuinely improving thequality of life for people in our communities.”
The Bangkok community responded positively to the Giving Machine. Many visitors expressedappreciation 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 chosento support.”Elder Benjamin M. Z. Tai, Asia Area President of the Church expressed heartfelt appreciationto the charity partners, volunteers and the Bangkok community for making the campaignpossible.“We believe as we work together in a common cause, we each bring unique gifts and talentstogether, and we can change the world together,” he remarked.