Government Launches Half-Price Loan Interest Program Nationwide
Thailand's government launches a half-price interest loan program through community funds nationwide, targeting low-income households and replacing informal lenders in villages and rural areas.
Prime Minister's Office minister Sukhsamrewai Wantaniyakul said the government under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has prioritized the Quick Big Win policy to address cost-of-living pressures, reduce household expenses, and tackle debt comprehensively. The National Village and Urban Community Fund Board has approved the Thai Help Thai program, which increases capital in community funds while cutting interest rates in half on Account 1 loans to members. The program aims to ease grassroots economic hardship and combat informal lending in villages and communities.
To drive the program forward and reach people in local areas, the National Village and Urban Community Fund Office is partnering with the Interior Ministry's Department of Local Administration to support promotion efforts. District officers, village headmen, and other local officials have been instructed to accelerate fund applications for the program through district-level meetings, monthly village leader conferences, and community assemblies, with announcements broadcast through village public address systems nationwide.
The Thai Help Thai program represents a major government policy aimed at solving grassroots livelihood problems. The Local Administration Department's support through its field network is expected to drive more fund applications. The National Village and Urban Community Fund Office has prepared materials and staff to implement the program at provincial coordination centers and district branches throughout the country.
