Billionaire highlights social contributions
Dhanin says millions spent to offset crisis
Clearing for take-off: AirAsia staff take care of passengers at Don Mueang Airport after the resumption of domestic flights at airports in Bangkok and 14 provinces yesterday. Passengers and staff are required to take preventive Covid-19 transmission measures that range from wearing masks to having passengers step on disinfectant-soaked carpets prior to boarding. (Photo by Pornprom Satrabhaya)
Thai billionaire and senior chairman of Charoen Pokphand Group (CP) Dhanin Chearavanont has donated over 700 million baht to fund the company’s projects to fight the spread of Covid-19 and insisted the company has no plans to lay off staff.
Of the donated money, the group has set up a CP mask factory worth about 175 million baht to produce face protection to beat shortages, he said, adding the factory has produced and delivered around three million items a month to those who need them for free.
Two additional Thai millionaires — Chalerm Yoovidhya and Prayudh Mahagitsiri — will allocate multi-million baht budgets to help the newly-established Team Thailand fill the state’s coffers amid efforts to tackle the economic impact of Covid-19.
The Yoovidhya family, owners of the Red Bull energy drink empire, will spend 300 million baht to help make Thailand more self-reliant as it joins efforts by the nation’s 20 richest people to help tackle the virus.
Meanwhile Mr Prayudh, chairman of the PM Group with an array of businesses ranging from industry, consumer products, to property development, said in his letter that he wants to support farmers by helping them develop technology so they can add value to their products. Up to 150 million baht has been allocated to help people, he said.
