Binance Co-Founder CZ Pledges 500 BNB for Disaster Relief in Thailand and Myanmar

Binance Co-Founder Pledges 500 BNB for Disaster Relief in Thailand and Myanmar After Devastating Earthquake

Changpeng Zhao, the co-founder and CEO of Binance, has pledged 500 BNB (Binance Coin) to assist Thailand and Myanmar following the aftermath of a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck both countries on March 28, 2025. The quake caused widespread destruction, including casualties, damaged infrastructure, and flooding, leaving both nations in urgent need of aid.

Zhao’s donation, worth millions in Binance Coin (BNB), will be distributed to the affected areas through Binance and Binance Thailand, provided a third-party on-chain donation platform is not found to handle the distribution. In a tweet posted on March 28, Zhao shared his hopes for the safety of those impacted and expressed solidarity with the people of both countries.

“I hope everyone is safe in Thailand,” Zhao wrote, offering his contributions as part of the wider relief effort.

A Tragic Earthquake Strikes Myanmar and Thailand

The earthquake, which struck at 1:20 PM local time on March 28, had its epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, approximately 10 miles from the city center. The devastating tremors affected both Thailand and Myanmar, with widespread damage to buildings and critical infrastructure, as well as severe flooding.

As of now, at least 144 individuals are confirmed dead, with 732 injured. The situation remains dire, and the death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue. Emergency responders are working to rescue those trapped beneath collapsed buildings, and Myanmar's junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, has called for international assistance, urging countries and organizations to offer support in the relief efforts.

The Role of Cryptocurrency in Disaster Relief

Zhao’s pledge to donate BNB highlights the growing role that cryptocurrencies can play in providing timely disaster relief. With their cross-border efficiency, low transaction fees, and near-instant settlement times, digital currencies offer a unique advantage in global humanitarian efforts. During times of crisis, these features allow for faster and more transparent distribution of funds to affected communities.

This is not the first time that cryptocurrency has been used for disaster relief. After the February 2023 earthquake in Turkey and Syria, philanthropist Haluk Levent launched a campaign to collect crypto donations for the victims. The Giving Block, an organization that facilitates cryptocurrency donations to nonprofits, also played a key role in raising funds for disaster victims, including those affected by the Maui wildfires in 2023. The organization successfully raised over $1 million for the wildfire relief fund, and continues to use crypto as an efficient fundraising tool for emergency situations, including California’s 2024 wildfires.

How Crypto Donations Are Making a Difference

The ability to raise and distribute funds swiftly and securely has made crypto an increasingly popular choice for disaster relief efforts. As Zhao and Binance take action in the wake of the Myanmar-Thailand earthquake, the broader crypto community continues to demonstrate the power of digital assets to help people in need.

For more information about Binance’s ongoing relief efforts and to contribute to cryptocurrency-based disaster relief funds, you can visit Binance’s official charity page.

The Future of Crypto in Humanitarian Aid

As cryptocurrencies continue to gain mainstream acceptance, their potential for impact during global crises will only grow. With CZ's pledge of 500 BNB, it is evident that the crypto industry’s leaders are committed to using digital currencies as a force for good in times of need. Moving forward, it is likely that more organizations will embrace crypto-based relief efforts, making it a valuable tool for responding to future disasters.

To stay updated on future donations and relief efforts, you can follow Changpeng Zhao and Binance on social media.