Paetongtarn Shinawatra Injects 11 Billion Baht into Village Funds
Empowering 79,610 Communities with Village Fund Allocation
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has officially launched an 11 billion baht injection into 79,610 village funds across Thailand, marking a significant step in grassroots economic development. The announcement was made during a ceremony at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre in Nonthaburi, where Paetongtarn emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering local communities through sustainable, community-driven initiatives.
Reviving a Legacy: The Village Fund Initiative
SML Model Ensures Equitable Distribution to All Villages
The village fund program, first introduced by Paetongtarn’s father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, over two decades ago, continues to play a crucial role in Thailand’s rural economic landscape. Under the current allocation, each village fund receives 200,000, 300,000, or 400,000 baht, depending on the village’s size, following the SML (Small, Medium, Large) model. This approach ensures that resources are distributed fairly and tailored to the needs of each community.
Community Empowerment at the Core of Government Policy
Decentralized Decision-Making for Local Development
Paetongtarn highlighted that the government’s strategy is to empower residents to identify and address their own development priorities. By channeling funds directly to village-level revolving funds, communities gain autonomy and responsibility over their local projects, fostering a sense of ownership and encouraging sustainable growth.
Over 20 Years of Impact and Continued Expansion
Village Fund Program Supports 13 Million Members Nationwide
Since its inception in 2004, the village fund initiative has circulated more than 300 billion baht, supporting over 13 million members across the country. The program was further expanded in 2012 by former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Paetongtarn’s aunt, with additional budget allocations, reinforcing the Shinawatra family’s legacy in rural development.
No Direct Cash Handouts, Only Sustainable Empowerment
Government Focuses on Long-Term Community Development
Paetongtarn reaffirmed that the current administration does not engage in direct cash handouts. Instead, it prioritizes empowering communities to design and manage their own development projects, ensuring that growth is both sustainable and tailored to local needs. The hope is that these funds will drive successful projects and contribute to robust grassroots economic growth across Thailand.
Nationwide Support and Participation
Thousands Attend Launch Event for Village Fund Expansion
The launch event, organized by the Office of the National Village and Urban Community Fund, was attended by key government officials, including the Digital Economy and Society Minister and the Prime Minister’s Office Minister, alongside around 4,000 participants from various government agencies. This broad participation underscores the national importance and widespread support for the village fund initiative, as it continues to shape Thailand’s economic future at the grassroots level.
