ThaiBev Sustainability

Under the concept of “Developing People with Sports, Developing Value with Sportsmanship”, ThaiBev has supported projects of all dimensions for over 30 years, in order to develop local athletes while providing inspiration for young people. In addition, we have helped the Thai sports industry to move forward with the aims of improving quality of life and fostering responsible individuals who contribute positively to society. In this chapter, we highlight just three of the many sports that we support with pride.

Key Projects

Football

For over 25 years, ThaiBev has supported football initiatives, from youth level up to the national and international stages. We have five ongoing youth football projects, which have successfully provided career opportunities for young players to enter the professional football scene in Thai football clubs. Several of these athletes have achieved national success, serving as role models for future generations. Additionally, ThaiBev has built a widespread football network throughout Thailand, collaborating with communities and organizations, and ultimately creating a robust partnership.

1. ThaiBev Football Academy (TBFA) A football training center with international standards, providing an opportunity for athletes to learn football skills properly, free of charge.	In 2024, over 25,000 young players aged 5-18 participated in the program. 70% of these participants maintain good health, being free from substance abuse issues and having positive relationships with their families. 20% of those who have continued in the training have developed excellent skills and received further opportunities, such as educational scholarships.
2. Chang Mobile Football Clinic A program that provides football skills training through a mobile clinic format, traveling to 20 different locations across the country annually.	In 2024, approximately 1,500 young players participated in the program. This marks the 12th year of the initiative, which has raised awareness and expanded opportunities in over 70 provinces, with a total of over 60,000 young people taking part.
3. Chang Football Community A football community development project to expand the network of football training centers in the regions.	This marks the ninth year of the initiative in five locations (240 young players in total): Bin La, Songkhla Province; Mae Mok, Surat Thani Province; Ban Bu Pueai, Ubon Ratchathani Province; Ban Hin Khon, Surin Province; and Mon Jam Community, Chiang Mai Province. In 2024, a new football community was established at the Wang Khrai Football Training Center in Phichit Province, with over 60 young people participating in the program. Young players in these football communities have been continuously developed, with several progressing to excellence. For example, the female youth football team from Ban Hin Khon was selected as a national youth team. We aim to enhance the knowledge and skills of trainers across all six branches through initiatives such as the annual training of two licensed coaches.
4. Chang Junior Cup A youth football competition for players under the age of 13.	In 2024, 200 teams took part in the competition, with more than 3,000 young players from across the country. The champion team and 15 coaches had the opportunity to train with Premier League clubs in England. On average, 50% of these participants develop into professional athletes in the future.
5. White Elephant Project, Assumption College Thonburi A collaborative project with an educational institution to select young people for a full scholarship, offering football skills development until their completion of high school.	The White Elephant Project has supported over 100 young people aged 10–18, providing them with education and intensive football training. On average, 50% of participants have progressed to professional football careers in Thailand, supported by partnerships with over 30 professional clubs through ThaiBev. In 2024, the 15 scholars were selected through the Chang Under-10 Soccer School. Professional football clubs take part in the selection process, providing players with opportunities to advance into professional careers. Besides establishing clear career pathways, the program also generates revenue for its football development fund, supporting the initiative’s sustainability and growth.

In addition to the five main initiatives, ThaiBev also supports youth by facilitating their participation in youth football competitions organized by various organizations annually. This effort helps develop their skills, strength, and practical experience necessary for becoming professional football players.

For many years, ThaiBev has also supported to professional football clubs at different levels, focusing on developing and transitioning youth players into professional football careers. This has been a long-term commitment for over a decade. Additionally, ThaiBev collaborates with international football clubs to provide opportunities for Thai players to enter the global football stage.

Insight

Role Model: Channarong Promsrikaew (Nueng)
Now a professional footballer, Nueng began serious training at the age of 10, and his exceptional skills quickly attracted the attention of top clubs, leading to a youth contract. At the age of 16, he joined Chonburi FC, where he was mentored by “Coach Heng”, Witthaya Laohakul, a role model in Thai football who was an important force in creating new generations of youth players. Nueng was also sent to Spain to train and play in the local league for several years. His dedication and positive attitude earned him a place in various national age-level teams, culminating in his current spot on the senior national team.

“Football has given me everything in life. My goal is to help Chonburi FC rise to the top of the Thai League once again. In the future, if I have the opportunity, I would love to play in Japan’s football league. I am deeply grateful to ThaiBev for their long-standing support to Chonburi FC, creating opportunities for young dreamers like me to pursue our passion.”

Basketball

Recognizing the growth potential of basketball, ThaiBev has helped to create opportunities for young Thai players, aiming to elevate Thai basketball at the professional level. For 13 years, ThaiBev has supported the first pro team in Thailand, the Chang Thailand Slammers, now known as Hi-Tech. The team achieved a significant breakthrough by winning the ASEAN Basketball League for the first time. Their success has been pivotal in advancing Thai professional basketball, producing skilled and well-rounded athletes, and inspiring the growth of a professional domestic league.

Role Model: Chanatip Jakrawan (Ohm)
Standing at an impressive height of 203 cm, Ohm has been with Hi-Tech since his youth in order to pursue a career in basketball. Over the years, he has become a key player for the Thai national team. Notably, Ohm was the first Thai male player to compete in Taipei’s professional league. His contributions have significantly elevated Thai basketball’s standards, placing it among the top ranks in ASEAN and Asia.

“Basketball provides many opportunities in life, in terms of both education and career. I deeply admire ThaiBev as an organization for its dedication to giving young people access to various sports, not just basketball.”

Volleyball

ThaiBev has supported volleyball for over 30 years under the management of the Volleyball Association, which is committed to continuous athlete development.

This long-standing support has consistently produced male and female athletes who have excelled at national and international levels. Currently, the Thai women’s volleyball team is ranked 13^th in the world, 4th in Asia, and 1st in ASEAN, while the Thai men’s team holds the 65^th spot globally and has risen to 9^th in Asia.

Sports Development Program in Overseal

Fostering Sports Project in Vietnam “Fostering Sports” project, launched by HCYU and SABECO, aims to promote sports development and foster healthy lifestyles, particularly in rural area, by supporting the construction of 30 community sports fields across 30 provinces over three years, emphasizing long-term community engagement and well-being.

SABECO Sports Hub in Vietnam

The SABECO Sports Hub initiative is a series of sports, cultural, and entertainment activities for the communities in 63 provinces within the framework of a 3-year strategic cooperation between SABECO and the Ho Chi Minh Youth Communist Union. Through Sports Hub, SABECO aims to promote a balanced and active lifestyle n the community, contributing to the development of the locality where SABECO operates. This is also SABECO’s commitment to bring positive values to the company and stakeholders, as one of the leading companies in Vietnam.

Achievements


Read More Information about Sports Development in Sustainability Report 2024