Thailand launches ‘Thai Help Thai’ project to subsidize village fund interest rates

The National Village and Urban Community Fund Office has partnered with the Department of Provincial Administration to promote the ‘Thai Help Thai: Increase Capital, Half Interest’ project across all villages in Thailand. The initiative aims to address grassroots economic issues, reduce living expenses, and mitigate informal debt by increasing liquidity within village funds.

Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, Suksomruay Wantaneeyakul, stated that the project is part of a ‘Quick Big Win’ policy under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to provide comprehensive debt relief. The program will increase capital for village and urban community funds, allowing them to offer lower interest rates on first-account loans to members.

To ensure widespread awareness, the Department of Provincial Administration will utilize local administrative structures, including district officers, kamnans, and village headmen, to disseminate information through monthly meetings and village news broadcast towers.