Yesterday, more than 2,000 financially distressed individuals attended the 55th Debt Relief Fair at The Pago Hotel in Ratsada, north of Phuket Town. The event, organized by the Ministry of Justice’s Department of Rights and Liberties Protection and the Legal Execution Department, in collaboration with the Phuket Provincial Justice Office and other organizations, was designed to offer guidance and support for managing various types of debt.

A Path to Financial Fairness
The fair, aptly named “Creating a Path of Fairness,” was spearheaded by Ratchada Chaikupt, an advisor to the Minister of Justice. The primary focus of the event was on debt mediation, providing a crucial opportunity for individuals struggling to meet payment obligations to avoid legal repercussions. The mediation process covered a broad spectrum of debts, including student loans, car hire purchases, government debts, credit card debts, and personal loans.

Ratchada emphasized that the event aimed to prevent legal action against those unable to meet existing payment plans by offering practical solutions such as debt settlement discounts, interest rate reductions, and extended repayment periods. Legal and financial experts were also on hand to offer advice, ensuring that attendees received comprehensive support.

Financial Planning and Discipline
Beyond immediate debt relief, the fair underscored the importance of financial planning and discipline as key strategies for preventing future household debt problems. By fostering better financial habits, the event aimed to help individuals build a more secure and stable financial future.

Wide-Ranging Participation
A diverse group of organizations participated in the mediation efforts, including the Student Loan Fund (SLF), Government Savings Bank, Government Housing Bank, Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, Krung Thai Bank, Srisawat Corporation Company Limited, and the Provincial Electricity Authority of Phuket. These organizations not only provided mediation services but also disseminated vital information on financial planning through public relations exhibitions and advisory services.

During the event, signs for dispute mediation centers were distributed to several police stations across Phuket, including Cherng Talay, Sakhu, Kamala, Karon, Chalong, Tha Chatchai, Patong, Kathu, and Phuket City Police Stations. Phuket currently boasts 69 government debt mediators and 71 public sector debt mediators, supported by one government dispute mediation center and 17 public sector mediation centers across the island.

A Significant Impact
Ratchada noted that the event is expected to have brought more than 3,000 debtors into the mediation process, with total mediation funds estimated to exceed 350 million baht. This substantial figure highlights the fair’s significant impact in offering financial relief to those in need.

The Debt Relief Fair not only provided immediate financial assistance but also aimed to create a more financially disciplined and stable community through ongoing support and education. By addressing both the symptoms and root causes of debt, the event represented a comprehensive approach to fostering long-term financial well-being for the residents of Phuket.