Bangkok: The Prime Minister has inaugurated the “SML Sending Opportunities Directly to Communities, by Communities, for Communities” project, marking a continuation of the initiatives set during the Thaksin-Yingluck era to foster strong communities.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister, led the opening ceremony and outlined the policies for the SML project, which aims to bolster the potential of village and urban community funds. The event, organized by the National Village and Urban Community Fund Committee (NVFC), was attended by key government officials, including Mr. Prasert Chantarawongthong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Ms. Jiraporn Sindhuphrai, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, and Mr. Chulaphan Amornvivat, Deputy Minister of Finance. The gathering included NVFC members and the public, who wore red shirts emblazoned with the NVFC logo.
The event highlighted the project’s history, which began in 2004 under former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra with a focus on community-driven initiatives. The project was later continued by former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in 2012 and remains a priority under the current administration. Attendees were invited to take photos with standees of the three Prime Ministers and explore booths showcasing products from villages benefiting from SML budget allocations.
Prime Minister Paethongtarn emphasized the importance of community strength for national progress, advocating for local decision-making power as a means to empower people. She stressed that communities are best equipped to identify and address their own needs, with the government acting as a supportive partner. The Village Fund, initiated in 2001 by the Thai Rak Thai Party government, plays a crucial role in grassroots economic development, with over 79,610 village and community funds and a total revolving fund exceeding 300 billion baht.
The SML project, Ms. Paethongtarn explained, focuses on small projects that have a tangible impact on communities. Budgets are allocated based on village population, with funds used for projects determined by community consensus, such as installing CCTV cameras. She expressed confidence in the community’s ability to solve local problems and contribute to broader economic growth.
The government, she assured, is committed to directly sending opportunities to communities, fostering strength and stability. Ms. Paethongtarn thanked those involved in the project’s development and reaffirmed the government’s role as a supportive force for citizens seeking improved livelihoods.
Ms. Jiraporn Sindhuphrai detailed the project’s origins, noting its 2004 inception under Thaksin Shinawatra, which aimed to allocate budgets for community-managed problem-solving. The initiative represents a step forward in democratic development, continuing through the Yingluck administration and beyond.
Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Prasert Chantararuangthong announced a budget of 11,392,200,000 baht for the fiscal year 2024 to support village and urban community funds. The National Village and Urban Community Fund Office will oversee the project’s implementation, ensuring alignment with its objectives and fostering awareness among the Village and Urban Community Fund Committee and partners.