In a significant fundraising effort on March 25, 2025, popular Thai media personality and entertainer "Kluea Pen Tor," also known as "Kitti Chiewwongkul," announced a successful campaign to secure funding for buying computers for students at Baan Sang Pan School in Udon Thani. Following the perception that technology is crucial in education, he emphasized the value of the "Sufficiency Economy Philosophy" in practical terms, rallying community support for this cause.
The initiative gained momentum after Kluea posted a message on Facebook, challenging viewers to understand and appreciate the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, which was intended to urge introspection on the societal value and importance of education. His post generated a flurry of reactions on social media, leading to a mixed response; while many appreciated the message, others criticized it.
In addressing the criticisms, Kluea offered a unique opportunity: he invited those who had commented negatively to participate in the fundraising efforts instead. "I will use the funds collected to buy computers for the underserved schools," he declared. This unexpected response underlined his approach to converting vitriol into tangible benefits for the community.
The fundraising effort came to fruition during the "Nai Na Khao Tieng" news program on March 24, 2025. Anchored by Anyachalee Phaireerak and Prermrat Phooto, the program effectively mobilized viewers, leading to receipts of over 531,820 Baht just 45 minutes after the call to action. This amount exceeded the target of 369,800 Baht needed to buy 25 computers, indicating a robust sense of community spirit and generosity among the viewers.
On March 25, Kluea visited the Nai Na news agency to express gratitude. "I was surprised by the overwhelming support here. I appreciate everyone’s kindness towards the children, who are the future of our nation. Thanks to this generosity, we can ensure that they have quality educational resources," Kluea remarked.
These funds will go towards acquiring not only computers but also smart TVs to enhance the learning experience at Baan Sang Pan, highlighting the need for modern education tools in today’s digital age.
Kluea emphasized the importance of the youth in shaping technological futures and expressed optimism about future innovations birthed by students educated with these new tools. "There might be future computer engineers and AI masterminds coming from this initiative. Your contributions are laying foundations for the incredible talents of tomorrow," he conveyed to the donors.
Despite his commitment to this educational cause, Kluea is not forgetting about his detractors. He mentioned that he had ongoing plans to reach out to those who had made negative remarks. Instead of repulsion, Kluea believes in fostering understanding and learning. "We must convey lessons to those who act inappropriately. This is not about hate; it's about altering bad behavior for the benefit of society," he asserted.
When asked about the relevance of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy in current discussions, Kluea reiterated its universal applicability. "This philosophy can operate within every corner of society and apply to everyone—rich or poor, educated or not. It guides how we live our lives prudently and effectively," he stated, reinforcing his position that sound philosophy yields happy and productive lives.
As the flow of support continues, Kluea hinted at further projects and community involvement initiatives aimed at contributing positively to education and social welfare. He expressed hope that more projects will foster unity and support in the community, “I believe that this collective effort will yield the seeds for more educational opportunities for future generations,” Kluea concluded, leaving the door open for continued engagement with his audience and supporters.
