Kasikornthai Foundation Joins Leaders on Asian Philanthropy at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

Kasikornthai Foundation, together with The Commission on Asian Philanthropy, organised a high-level meeting titled "Asia's Philanthropic Future: Catalyzing Growth and Partnership" on 17 October 2026 at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok as an official side event of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group Annual Meetings (IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings 2026). More than 100 policymakers, development leaders, philanthropic organisations and business executives from several countries attended to discuss the direction of philanthropic cooperation in Asia.

Thai-Language Report Launched, Highlighting Regional Philanthropic Capital Potential

The event featured the first official launch of the Thai-language Interim Report of The Commission on Asian Philanthropy. The report states that total philanthropic giving across the jurisdictions covered by the Commission's study reached USD 190 billion, or approximately THB 3.9 trillion, as of 2024, with the potential to grow to the equivalent of more than USD 1 trillion within the next decade. It also presented practical guidelines for Thai policymakers and philanthropic organisations to better align giving with national development goals.

Leaders from Multiple Countries Propose Pathways for Cooperation

In a keynote address, Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, emphasised the country's development needs, particularly nature conservation and grassroots community development, where private capital can build upon public sector projects. Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Chairperson of Kasikornthai Foundation, said that combining regional knowledge with the foundation's network would help address major challenges facing Thai society more effectively.

Dr. Gabriel Leung, Director of the Institute of Philanthropy, and Mr. Ichiro Kabasawa, Executive Director of The Nippon Foundation, as Co-Chairs of the Commission, spoke about regional cooperation networks that support practical action across Asia. Meanwhile, Dr. Xiao Liming, Secretary-General of the Tencent Charity Foundation, shared examples of using digital technology to connect communities and reduce the cost of cross-sector collaboration.

The Nan Sandbox Model: A Blueprint for Forest Restoration Alongside Livelihood Creation

Mr. Banthoon Lamsam, Chairman Emeritus of Kasikornbank, presented the "Nan Sandbox" model, which links forest restoration with sustainable livelihood creation, youth education and community healthcare in Nan province, serving as a model for addressing forest encroachment that can be applied to other areas across the country. The event concluded with remarks by Mr. Chen Guangzhe, Vice President for Planet at the World Bank Group, who highlighted cooperation between the World Bank, Kasikornthai Foundation and the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council in piloting Natural Capital Accounting in Nan province.

The high-level panel discussion also featured speakers from several organisations, including the Director of the World Bank Group Strategy Office, the President of the Thailand Development Research Institute, and executives from Temasek Foundation and Yayasan Hasanah, who agreed that the value of philanthropy lies not only in funding, but also in bringing business networks and community trust to support public sector work.

This news is of interest to international conference and event organisers looking for examples of how hotel venues accommodate side events for global summits, as well as hotel professionals and those interested in philanthropy and sustainable community development in Thailand.