In Photo: Ms Phanida Phromchanya, Director of Operation Smile Thailand; Dr Tairjing Siriphanich, Secretary-General of the Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation; Mr Tearavath Trirutdilokkul, Managing Director, Head of Card Payment & Unsecured Products, UOB Thailand; and Asst Prof Dr Suthep Wanitkun, Chairman of the Cardiac Children Foundation of Thailand.
While spending in Thailand’s health and beauty sectors has surged by over 40% as part of a growing self-care trend, another side of society remains in waiting. Numerous Thai children and underprivileged patients are still holding out for the chance to access the essential medical treatment they need to survive.
To bridge this gap, UOB Thailand has launched UOB We Share initiative to transform everyday consumer spending into a tangible engine for hope. For every 0 per cent interest instalment made through the UOB iPlan programme in the automotive, beauty, fitness, and sports equipment categories, the Bank will contribute 0.1 per cent to fund medical care and safety advocacy for the Cardiac Children Foundation of Thailand, Operation Smile Thailand, and the Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation.
The project aims to deliver direct, life-altering to over 100 children and disadvantaged individuals by the end of 2026. This includes congenital heart surgeries, corrective procedures for cleft lips and palates, and initiatives to reduce road accident casualties—all vital factors in the long-term quality of life for Thai families.
Mr Tearavath Trirutdilokkul, Managing Director, Head of Card Payment & Unsecured Products, UOB Thailand, said, "Consumers are prioritising their quality of life more than ever, leading to a peak growth of over 40 per cent in related spending categories. We are building on this momentum through the 'UOB We Share campaign, which offers financial flexibility via 0 per cent interest instalments while converting every transaction into tangible support for healthcare and safety for the underprivileged."
For social organisations, this support fills a critical gap, especially for high-risk cases. Asst Prof Dr Suthep Wanitkun, Chairman of the Cardiac Children Foundation of Thailand, said, “Many Thai children are still awaiting surgery for congenital heart defects. Support from the financial sector, such as UOB, increases the chances of timely treatment and reduces long-term risks to the quality of life for these children and their families."
Ms Phanida Phromchanya, Director of Operation Smile Thailand, said, "Surgery for patients with cleft lip and palate is more than just a medical procedure; it is about restoring smiles, hope, and the opportunity to lead a normal life in society. Donations from this project will help us reach impoverished patients and significantly reduce their waiting time for treatment."
Beyond surgical intervention, the programme addresses the social costs of preventable trauma. Dr Tairjing Siriphanich, Secretary-General of the Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation, said, "Road accidents are preventable losses. Consistent campaigning has helped reduce injuries and fatalities by over 39%, directly impacting family stability. UOB’s support will enable us to carry out our preventative work more sustainably."
UOB and UOB CashPlus cardholders can participate by opting for 0 per cent instalments at participating merchants, including automotive centres, beauty clinics, and sports retailers. For further details, please visit www.uob.co.th.