On October 18, 2024, Suphachai Chearavanont, CEO of Charoen Pokphand Group, participated in the “Thairath Afternoon Gala: Empowering Through Education,” where he shared his vision on education. The event marked the 45th anniversary of the Thairath Foundation and was held at the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai, Bangkok. Suphachai was joined by Banthoon Lamsam, Honorary Chairman of Kasikornbank, and Jitsupa Vacharaphol, Co-CEO of Thairath TV and Thairath Online, and a member of the Thairath Foundation board. The event attracted a large number of distinguished guests from various sectors, including Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Supaluck Umpujh, Chairwoman of The Mall Group, Chartsiri Sophonpanich, Chairman of Bangkok Bank, and Sara Lamsam, CEO of Muang Thai Life Assurance.

Suphachai Chearavanont, Chairman of Charoen Pokphand Group, voiced his support for the potential of Bangkok to become a regional education hub. He highlighted that Bangkok, with its growing number of international investors and rapidly expanding international schools, alongside Thai schools increasingly adapting to global standards, presents a unique opportunity. However, to become an educational hub, the city must first establish itself as a center of innovation. Innovation drives the development of learning cities, as seen in places like Boston, USA, and London, UK.

Suphachai also emphasized that Thai education has entered the 5.0 era, characterized by AI and sustainability. The traditional role of teachers as the center of learning has shifted, making them facilitators, while students now become the central focus of learning. With technology enabling self-directed learning for children, it is crucial that teachers adapt to this new educational model to ensure the greatest benefits for students.

"Today, the Child-Centric approach, where children are the center of learning, is essential. Teachers must instill confidence and inspiration in students, enabling them to think critically, view problems as exciting challenges, and develop solutions that lead to better outcomes. This new learning model can be described as lifelong learning," said Suphachai Chearavanont, CEO of Charoen Pokphand Group.

Suphachai further noted that Thailand should promote the establishment of Learning Centers outside the classroom, as experiential learning allows students to deeply engage with knowledge. He suggested starting by supporting the creation of educational museums, which would be key to enhancing effective education.

In addition, he outlined his vision for educational reform through a five-step paradigm. First, establishing clear goals and transparent metrics; second, creating market mechanisms and a social system that supports education; third, ensuring that educators and teachers are highly capable; fourth, placing children at the center of the learning process; and finally, leveraging technology to close the education gap and address inequality.

Banthoon Lamsam, Honorary Chairman of Kasikornbank, highlighted that the major challenge facing the country is educational inequality, particularly in remote areas. He emphasized that lack of access to education can lead to further societal problems. While he believes that education reform can address these issues, the toughest challenge remains the allocation of resources—how to distribute the budget effectively to ensure all areas receive appropriate support.

Jitsupa Vacharaphol, Co-CEO of Thairath TV and Thairath Online, and a board member of the Thairath Foundation, emphasized that inequality is a major issue in education. To address this, educational reform must focus on closing the gaps in inequality. The Thairath Foundation has established Thairath Wittaya Schools, particularly in remote areas, providing necessary educational equipment and support for students.

The event also featured an auction of personal memorabilia from various prominent individuals, with proceeds going to support the 111 Thairath Wittaya Schools across the country. Suphachai Chearavanont, CEO of Charoen Pokphand Group, contributed his personal "Cartier Tank Solo" watch from 2020, with an opening bid of 250,000 THB.

The auction of the legendary "Cartier Tank Solo" watch was highly competitive. Within the first minute, the bidding price more than doubled, reaching 550,000 THB, and within five minutes, it tripled to 800,000 THB, which became the final closing price. The winning bid was placed by Chartsiri Sophonpanich, Chairman of Bangkok Bank.

The auction also featured other collectible items from various prominent figures, including a gold bracelet from Supaluck Umpujh, Chairwoman of The Mall Group; a Patek Philippe watch from Banthoon Lamsam, Honorary Chairman of Kasikornbank; a Hermes bag from Nualphan Lamsam, CEO of Muang Thai Insurance; and a Rolex watch from Srettha Thavisin, former Prime Minister, among others.

CP Group CEO Suphachai Chearavanont actively participated in the auction, placing bids on Banthoon Lamsam’s Patek Philippe watch and a bag donated by Khun Ying Patama and Dr. Somsak Leesawasdipong.