This paper examines the characteristics of charitable giving --including monetary, inkind and in terms of voluntary time devoted to others-- in Thailand today. In particular, it aims to show the diversity of giving values and practices co-existing in the country. So far, much attention has been given to the influence of Theravada Buddhism, as the majority religion, on the local concept of giving. Values of merit-making and filial piety have often been mentioned to stress how giving is deeply rooted in Thai culture and society. This, however, has led to a neglect of other cultural and social factors, and obfuscated giving practices among minority groups. The article challenges this presumed homogeneity of ‘Thai’ giving by describing how every group, while sharing some common socio-cultural notions has a rich tradition supported by its specific religious, spiritual, and socio-cultural beliefs and how the interplay of religious and ethnic dynamics with other social structures such as gender and class results in differentiated giving among diverse groups. Moreover, it shows that such diverse traditions and practices are being affected by the policy environment and new trends in the philanthropic sector and it questions whether charitable giving is sufficient or more structural and transformational forms of institutionalized giving are needed to resolving social problems. This article delves into these issues drawing on literature as well as on the writer’s own personal experience as a philanthropy practitioner in the region with the hope of inspiring further research in this area that takes into account diversity and change in giving.