In Thailand, Buddhism provides the socio-religious context for the business approach
of taking care of communities in the vicinity of the operations of the enterprise. The
Buddhist tradition of “merit-making” (tham bun) or the practice of giving is the basis
for performing good deeds (karma) via charity and alms-giving at the individual
level, and philanthropy, sponsorships and employee volunteering within the business
enterprise. Even today, it is not uncommon for people to seek food, shelter and
education in Thai temples.
In a country untouched by colonial influences, the feudal “patron-client” culture
persists in families and businesses, a carry-over from the relationships prevalent in
old agrarian societies. The patronage culture is further endorsed by the initiatives of
the royal family, which has a strong influence on the national development agenda.
On 5 Dec 2007, on the occasion of the 80th birthday of His Royal Majesty the
King Bhumidol Adulyadej, the National Agenda for Giving and Volunteering was
initiated, and followed up with the establishment of the “National Centre for Giving
and Volunteerism”, by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security,
in collaboration with the UNDP, with the aim to promote a spirit of giving and
volunteering in Thai society.
More recently, the Royal Foundations, amongst the largest and strongest development
organisations in Thailand, have adopted CSR as the new frontier within their
programme agenda.
In addition, in 2007 on the occasion of the 80th birthday of His Royal Majesty the
King Bhumidol Adulyadej, the National Agenda for Giving and Volunteering was
initiated, and followed up with the establishment of the “National Centre for Giving THAILAND • THE SUFFICIENCY ECONOMY 241
and Volunteerism”, by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security,
in collaboration with the UNDP, with the aim to promote a spirit of giving and
volunteering in Thai society