Khon kaen: Minister Suksomruay has ordered a crackdown on corruption within the Village Fund. During a visit to Khon Kaen, she announced an increase in capital for 570 Village Funds across 16 provinces, amounting to over 39 million baht. This initiative includes a comprehensive operation to combat embezzlement and misuse of funds, with prosecutors and police actively involved in prosecuting offenders. A dedicated war room has been established to promptly receive tips and information through the main website.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sukhsomruay Wantaniyakul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and Chairperson of the National Village and Urban Community Fund Committee, delivered policy guidelines in Chum Phae District, Khon Kaen Province. She highlighted the immediate implementation of the "Thai Helps Thai Project: Capital Increase, Half-Interest Rate," aimed at reducing financial costs, enhancing liquidity, and enabling effective fund utilization for business development, income generation, and quality of life improvement. The first phase approved capital increases for 570 village and urban community funds across 16 provinces, totaling 38,530,000 baht.
Ms. Suksomruay unveiled a proactive plan to address a 14-year "historical backlog" in revitalizing and allocating an additional 1,000,000 baht to village and urban community funds nationwide, totaling 3.4 billion baht. She directed the National Village and Urban Community Fund Office (NVUCO) to urgently resolve these issues. The NVUCO has mobilized its senior management team for a workshop to develop a roadmap for a dual approach: "revitalization coupled with capital injection" in Phase 3.
During her visit to Chum Phae District, Ms. Suksomruay identified 15 funds yet to receive their second million baht payment and accelerated their recovery process. She is coordinating the preparation of necessary documents to ensure prompt approval and disbursement to the community. The Minister reiterated her commitment to eliminating corruption, embezzlement, and fund misuse, aligning with the government's zero-tolerance policy on transparency. Any abuse of power or profiteering from public funds will face decisive civil, criminal, and disciplinary action.
A direct complaint channel has been established, allowing 24-hour online submission of evidence via the official website at www.villagefund.or.th. Citizens and witnesses of irregularities can submit information confidentially. Legal experts, including prosecutors and police, will handle cases decisively. If investigations confirm allegations, the Anti-Corruption Division will gather evidence and coordinate with the Attorney General's Office and local police to pursue legal action, including imprisonment and asset confiscation.
Ms. Suksomruay emphasized the importance of Village Fund money, derived from taxpayers, as the lifeblood of the community economy. She urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities through the Village Fund Office website to eradicate corruption and restore transparency.