As Thailand and China deepen their economic partnership, a flourishing landscape of philanthropy offers new avenues for collaboration. How can both these nations harness their rich cultural tie and economic partnership to tackle pressing social issues and foster mutual understanding?

Bilateral relationship and economic ties between Thailand and China

Thailand and China have enjoyed steadily growing diplomatic and economic relations since establishing ties in 1975. By 2023, their bilateral trade volume reached approximately $126 billion, reflecting China’s position as Thailand’s largest trading partner and Thailand’s status as China’s third-largest trading partner within ASEAN (Thailand Business News, 2024). This economic partnership covers a wide array of sectors, including electric vehicles (EVs), digital technology, and renewable energy. Additionally, Chinese investment in Thailand is significant, with nearly 1,000 Chinese enterprises operating in the country, contributing to sectors such as modern manufacturing and infrastructure development (China Daily, 2024).

Philanthropic snapshot of Thailand and China

Philanthropy in Thailand is deeply interwoven with the nation’s Buddhist traditions, where the practice of ‘dana’ (giving) is not only a cultural norm but also a moral imperative. The Thai philanthropic landscape is governed by the Civil and Commercial Code, mandating that nonprofits register with the Ministry of Interior. The philanthropic sector is composed of an amalgam of diverse types of organisations, ranging from NGOs, corporate giving programmes, public funds, hospitals, and faith-based organisations, to well-established foundations and social enterprises (Wattanasiritham, 2007).

According to the latest data, philanthropic giving in Thailand has reached approximately THB 70 billion (around USD 2 billion), with contributions from a diverse spectrum of donors, including around 15,000 registered foundations and over 70,000 associations (Alliance magazine, 2018). This does not include charitable donations to temples. Each year, the average total amount of money that goes to temples nation-wide is estimated at USD 2.8 billion (TDRI, 2017).

Key thematic areas reflect the nation’s priorities. Education remains a major focus, with substantial investments from wealthy individuals and corporations directed toward scholarships and infrastructure development. Notably, the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Foundation has played a pivotal role in this arena. Healthcare philanthropy is also significant, with organisations like the Thai Red Cross Society spearheading initiatives in medical care and disaster relief. Furthermore, corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts by companies such as CP Group and PTT emphasise sustainable development and environmental conservation (Hasan & Vichit-Vadakan, 2017). With Thailand turning into an upper-middle income country, grantmaking foundation, internet-based platform, local philanthropy-cum-social-enterprise became new forms of philanthropic actors in Thailand (Phaholyothin, 2017).

Meanwhile, China’s philanthropic landscape has undergone transformation and growth since the 2008 WenChuan earthquake. The China Charity Law was enacted in 2016 followed by overseas NGO law in 2017. These two regulated domestic and foreign NGOs operate in China. In 2022, charitable donations in China reached approximately RMB 170 billion (USD 24 billion), with around 900,000 registered nonprofits, including 7,000 foundations (China Charity Federation, 2023). Chinese philanthropy has focused on several key thematic areas, including poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, disaster relief, and environmental sustainability. Key characteristics of Chinese philanthropy (in particular the post-Covid stage) include: continued growth of giving resulting from slowly decreased corporates and dramatically increased HNWIs; foundations remain the biggest fundraiser regardless of a shrinking market share; growing public participation and the steadily matured but proportionally significant internet philanthropy.

In both Thailand and China, philanthropy serves as a vital mechanism for support and social change, reflecting unique cultural values and priorities. However, the differing regulatory environments and the scale of operations highlight the complexities faced by nonprofits in each context. Meanwhile, there are a variety of cross border environmental and social issues that are embedded in the geographic proximity, economic ties and cultural connections. Finding common interests, addressing challenges by leveraging resources from both sides are essential.

Key philanthropic developments between Thailand and China

Historically, clan-based Chinese associations played an important role in connecting Chinese and engaging with the local communities in Thailand. One of Thai’s biggest foundations, Poh Teck Tung, was initiated by 12 Chinese merchants who came to Thailand in 1909. Up to now, ethnic Chinese organisations registered as NGOs in Thailand are still active (Zhang & Wongsurawat, 2019). While philanthropic efforts between China and Thailand may not receive as much attention as their economic collaborations, they play a vital role in fostering social development and mutual support.

First and foremost, disaster work sits in the centre of cross-border philanthropic initiatives. Both nations have demonstrated solidarity during crises, exemplified by their collaborative disaster relief initiatives. China provided substantial aid to Thailand during the catastrophic floods of 2011, while Thailand reciprocated by offering assistance during various disasters in China (Baker & Phongpaichit, 2020). However, official and private efforts are often entangled. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the intersection of humanitarian assistance and diplomacy, as China supplied vaccines and medical equipment to Thailand.

Second, philanthropic initiatives have also permeated the education sector, with Chinese donors funding scholarships and establishing educational facilities in Thailand. While the government-driven initiatives can be represented by Confucius Institutes and China-ASEAN initiatives, the philanthropic initiatives are led by Chinese companies and Thai Chinese philanthropists based in Thailand. Third, sustainability and conservation, in particular the Mekong River ecosystem, has been the forefront of the joint efforts. This region faces significant environmental challenges, and collaborative efforts between Chinese and Thai organisations have focused on promoting ecological balance, just energy transition, community resilience and sustainable development (Mekong River Commission, 2022; International Rivers).

Fourth philanthropic efforts linked to poverty alleviation and community development. Chinese investments under the BRI often incorporate social welfare components, enhancing local infrastructure and providing resources to underserved communities (Chen, 2023). Some Chinese charity projects such as Sichuan Haihui and XJD managed to leverage multiple Chinese companies to collectively support local communities with local nonprofit partners.

Problems and challenges

While the above philanthropic collaborations contributed to social development, enhanced mutual support and fostered resilience in the communities; there are problems and challenges worth noting.

First, concerns raised from the Thai side on the motivation and transparency of Chinese philanthropic initiatives, as well as the consequential dependency that was created to the Thai communities. In particular, the intertwining of Chinese CSR of philanthropy and business raises critical questions regarding the motivations underlying these efforts and their potential impacts on local communities (Zhang, 2023a). Second, local capacity building represents another crucial area needing attention. Many initiatives tend to focus on immediate relief efforts rather than fostering sustainable development by empowering communities. This short-term approach often neglects the importance of equipping local populations with the skills and resources necessary for long-term resilience (Srisang, 2023).

Furthermore, cross-sector collaboration remains fragmented; integrating efforts among nonprofits, corporations, and government entities could yield more holistic and sustainable solutions (Liang & Zhou, 2023).

Last but not the least, cultural sensitivity is equally vital in ensuring the effectiveness of philanthropic initiatives. Programs that overlook local customs and needs risk alienating communities and failing to achieve their intended impact (Baker, 2023).

Forward looking: opportunities & call for action

Philanthropic collaboration between China and Thailand holds significant promise for advancing social development, yet several critical gaps must be addressed to unlock its full potential.

For Chinese counterparts, a primary concern is the lack of transparency and accountability, with insufficient oversight regarding the management and allocation of funds. As Chinese philanthropic endeavours expand in Thailand, it becomes imperative to establish governance frameworks that align these initiatives with national development priorities, safeguarding Thailand’s sovereignty. More importantly, working with local partners who established know-how of and trust with the local communities should be the path moving forward.

For Thai counterparts, in order to navigate these complexities, they can adopt a balanced approach by strategically leveraging Chinese philanthropic resources to enhance local capacity. Initiatives such as educational scholarships and technology training programs can empower Thai communities, fostering independence rather than reliance on external aid. By prioritising sustainable and locally managed environmental projects, Thailand can mitigate dependency risks and ensure that philanthropic initiatives resonate with national development goals (Somchai, 2023).

While tackling the challenges, numerous opportunities for collaboration worth tabbing into. Education and digital literacy initiatives present a promising avenue for partnerships between Chinese tech firms and Thai educational institutions, aiming to bridge existing skills gaps. Additionally, efforts focused on environmental sustainability – particularly renewable energy and conservation – can create mutual benefits while enhancing community resilience (Somchai, 2023). Collaborative health initiatives that address ongoing health crises, especially for vulnerable populations, can also create significant impacts. Strengthening disaster preparedness frameworks through shared knowledge and resources will further enhance resilience in both nations (Mekong River Commission, 2022).

To capitalise on these opportunities, a call to action is essential. Establishing transparent frameworks for philanthropic initiatives, including regular reporting and community involvement in decision-making processes, is crucial. Promoting local ownership of projects can ensure long-term sustainability, while fostering multi-sectoral partnerships will facilitate comprehensive approaches to social challenges. Moreover, investing in research and evaluation is vital for assessing the impacts of these efforts and informing future initiatives (Zhang, 2023b). Finally, enhancing cultural exchange between China and Thailand can foster mutual understanding, enriching the philanthropic landscape.

The multifaceted nature of Sino-Thai philanthropy presents both challenges and opportunities. While China’s growing influence through philanthropic efforts reflects broader regional ambitions, Thailand can harness these resources effectively by emphasising transparency, local ownership, and alignment with its socio-political objectives. Ultimately, fostering collaborative and locally driven initiatives will be crucial in ensuring that philanthropy serves long-term development goals while preserving Thailand’s integrity and agency (Liang, 2023). By addressing existing gaps and seizing available opportunities, China and Thailand can forge a more impactful and sustainable philanthropic partnership. Such collaboration will not only address immediate needs but also contribute to long-term social and environmental resilience.

Rui Wang is the China Representative and Program Advisor – Asia of GlobalGiving, the US’ first and largest global crowdfunding community connecting non-profits, donors, and companies in nearly every country. Sharon Low is currently the cofounder of The Knowledge House, Ltd and has been involved in the designing of monitoring systems, implementation of evaluations and operationalising projects across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia since 1990s. Piya Hanvoravongchai is secretary general of the Thailand National Health Foundation and senior consultant at CMB Foundation.