CZ Fulfils Promise to Donate 1,000 BNB for Earthquake Relief in Thailand and Myanmar

Binance co-founder and former CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) donated 1,000 BNB tokens—valued at approximately $600,000—on 3 April to aid recovery efforts in Myanmar and Thailand following a devastating earthquake.

The funds will be evenly distributed between the two nations, both of which suffered extensive damage from the 7.7 magnitude quake on 28 March.

The disaster triggered widespread flooding and structural destruction, underscoring the critical role of crypto in rapid humanitarian response.

Binance Charity Unveils $1.5M BNB Airdrop, Boosted by CZ’s Donation

Blockchain data confirms that CZ has donated 500 BNB each to Myanmar and Thailand to support those most affected by the recent earthquake.

In addition to his personal contribution, Binance Charity will airdrop up to $1.5 million in BNB to verified users in the disaster zones.

The aid, set for distribution by 14 April, will be allocated based on Know-Your-Customer (KYC) and Proof of Address verification to ensure it reaches those in need.

In Myanmar, eligible Binance users will receive $5 in BNB, while those in the hardest-hit areas will get $50.

Gulf Binance users in Thailand will receive $5 in BNB, with $10 allocated to those in severely affected regions.

CZ’s $600,000 donation follows his initial pledge of 500 BNB, which he later doubled.

With traditional banking systems disrupted by damaged infrastructure, crypto donations are proving to be a critical financial lifeline for the region.

CZ’s Ongoing Commitment to Humanitarian Aid in the Crypto Era

CZ has a history of philanthropic contributions.

In February, he pledged 150 BNB (worth $100,000) to victims of the Libra meme coin scam and traders impacted by the TST and BROCCOLI meme coin crashes.

He also made his donation address public, encouraging the crypto community to contribute.

His actions reflect a broader trend in the industry, where digital assets are increasingly being used for humanitarian aid.

According to blockchain expert and author Anndy Lian, Zhao’s donations highlight cryptocurrency’s evolving role in philanthropy.

He said:

“Crypto donations, compared to traditional fiat contributions, offer unique advantages, especially in emergencies. Speed is a key factor—transactions on blockchain networks can settle in minutes, bypassing the delays of banks or intermediaries, which is critical when time saves lives.”

Lian explained:

“In disaster-stricken areas like Myanmar or Thailand, where infrastructure might be compromised, crypto can reach recipients directly via digital wallets, no SWIFT codes or wire transfers required.”

Lian himself contributed 44 BNB to the Myanmar and Thailand relief efforts, earning public praise from CZ.

Other industry leaders have also embraced crypto-based giving.

In 2024, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin converted $1.6 million worth of meme coins into Ether to support various initiatives, including the development of anti-airborne disease technology.

Earlier this year, he allocated $170,000 toward the legal defense of Tornado Cash developers Roman Storm and Alexey Pertsev, underscoring crypto’s growing impact beyond financial markets.

2024 Sees Rising Crypto Donations

Crypto donations surpassed $1 billion in 2024, driven by rising digital asset prices and broader adoption.

The Giving Block reports that over 70% of major US charities now accept cryptocurrency, reflecting a shift toward digital philanthropy.

While stablecoins accounted for 44% of crypto donations in 2023, 2024 saw a more diverse mix, including Bitcoin and Solana.

With cryptocurrency gaining mainstream traction, The Giving Block projects donations could reach $2.5 billion by 2025, signalling a growing role for digital assets in global philanthropy.