PRACHINBURI, Thailand – Prime Minister’s Office Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai has visited Prachinburi to inaugurate the province’s Village Fund Assembly, where she met with local officials, fund representatives, and community leaders to discuss ways to strengthen Thailand’s grassroots economy. The Village and Urban Community Fund, established in 2001, remains a key mechanism for regional development, expanding financial access and improving livelihoods in local communities.
During the event, Jiraporn outlined the government’s plans for the Small, Medium, and Large (SML) Project, which will inject 11 billion baht into local communities in early 2025. The project has been developed to give villages direct control over development funds, allowing residents to determine financial allocations through local assemblies.
The minister also presented certificates to 21 outstanding village funds and 21 community projects under the Pracharath public-private collaboration model. Among the recognized institutions was the Ban Khon Khwang Community Financial Institution, which has maintained strong financial management and sustainability, with a savings reserve exceeding 100 million baht.
To qualify for SML funding, village funds must meet key criteria, including official registration as a legal entity, financial transparency with documented records, and an active village committee. Funds will be allocated based on community referendums to ensure resources are distributed effectively and directly benefit residents. (NNT)
