Bangkok: The Cooperative Promotion Department organized National Cooperative Day 2024, the 108th anniversary of Thai Cooperatives, to pay tribute to the Father of Thai Cooperatives. Continue to drive cooperative development work to be strong and grow sustainably. Mr. Wisit Srisuwan, Director-General of the Cooperative Promotion Department, presided over activities on National Cooperative Day 2024, the 108th anniversary of Thai Cooperatives, in remembrance of the benevolence of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Krommuen Pittayalongkorn "Father of Thai Cooperatives" by placing a wreath of fresh flowers to pay homage to the monument Then read a message from Mr. Settha Thaweesin, Prime Minister, with Ms. Achanya Thirasut, Director-General of the Cooperative Auditing Department, Mr. Niran Multhida, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Cooperative Promotion, Mr. Prawat Daengbanjong, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Cooperative Promotion, Mr. Santhan. Sisa, Deputy Director-Gen eral of the Cooperative Promotion Department Executive Committee of the Department of Cooperative Promotion Cooperative Auditing Department cooperative movement and officials attended the ceremony Director-General of the Cooperative Promotion Department paid tribute to the Father of Thai Cooperatives. He encouraged the establishment of the first cooperative, the Wat Chan Cooperative. Unlimited assets at Wat Chan Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phitsanulok Province He was the first cooperative registrar and was registered as the first cooperative on February 26, 1916. On October 9, 1984, the Cabinet resolved to designate February 26 of every year as 'National Cooperative Day' to commemorate His Majesty the King's promotion of the dissemination of cooperative ideals, principles, and methods throughout the country which benefit farmers. and cooperative members have a better quality of life This has been a continuous benefit to the development of the country until the 108th anniversary of the Thai Cooperative toda y. Currently, there are more than 6,300 cooperatives nationwide and 11 million member households. It has an overall asset value of up to 4 trillion baht. Cooperatives are divided into 7 types: agricultural cooperatives, fishing cooperatives, estate cooperatives, store cooperatives, service cooperatives, and savings cooperatives. and credit union cooperatives In 2024, the Cooperative Promotion Department continues to drive forward various policies. Continuously adhering to the principle of "leading markets, additional innovations, increasing income" includes solving debt problems of members of agricultural cooperatives and savings cooperatives. Generating income during debt suspension Allocating arable land to cooperative settlement members Supporting agricultural product processing and agribusiness entrepreneurship by the Department supporting marketing equipment Promote privatization and linking and exchanging between cooperative networks to distribute products In addition, it is important to prevent corr uption in cooperatives. By pushing for all types of cooperatives with operating capital of 100 million baht or more. There is an application for members to conveniently check their status and conduct financial transactions. Develop personnel, both cooperative personnel and personnel of the Cooperative Promotion Department. For a policy to solve the debt problems of cooperative members The Cooperative Promotion Department issues a letter requesting cooperation from property cooperatives across the country. Reduce the loan interest rate to no longer be 4.75 percent per year or reduce the interest rate to help cooperative members. Including cooperation to reduce the burden of repaying debts as specified by each cooperative. The cooperative that will operate must consider its own financial costs first. as well as issuing orders from the Cooperative Promotion Department Regarding solutions to debt problems for members of savings cooperatives For the cooperative to consider creating a project to solve debt problem s to help alleviate debt for members. By providing members with a monthly income remaining sufficient to provide for their living, at least 30 percent of their monthly income. Members will receive debt restructuring. Extending the debt repayment period until age 75. The number of shares available with the cooperative can be used to calculate the debt repayment period. By paying only the portion in excess of the share value in installments. When members have paid all their debts in installments. Members will have a debt burden equal to the value of their shares. When they reach age 75, members will have a remaining monthly income to provide for a reasonable living. In this regard, the cooperative process gives importance to helping each other. The government sector is Department of Cooperative Promotion Cooperative Auditing Department and other government agencies Support the operations of cooperatives for the strength and sustainability of Thai cooperatives.- 512 - Thai News Agency Source: Thai News Agency