The event, held at the Dara Theatre, Dara Hotel in Phuket Town, was presided over by Thakorn Laohapongchana, Assistant Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Acting Secretary to the Deputy Minister of Finance.
Joining him were Phuket Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai, Export-Import Bank of Thailand (EXIM Bank) Assistant Managing Director Chalat Rattanabunnithi, Phuket Provincial Finance Officer Narumon Srisajjang, along with entrepreneurs and community representatives.
Executives and officials from the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand (SME D Bank), EXIM Bank, and the Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation (TCG) took part in the visit, which served as a pilot for the nationwide programme. The initiative is designed to increase financial literacy and improve access to funding for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the wider community.
“Phuket is recognised as the ‘Pearl of the Andaman’ with world-class tourism potential and is a key driver of Thailand’s economy. This project supports grassroots businesses, strengthens competitiveness, and provides entrepreneurs with access to comprehensive government-backed financial services,” Mr Thakorn said.
In the afternoon, a second event under the project – ‘Friday, Win, Happy Savings with Retirement Lottery’ – was launched, organised by the National Savings Fund (NSF). The new ‘retirement lottery’ initiative seeks to promote financial discipline and long-term savings in preparation for Thailand’s transition into a full-fledged ageing society.
Mr Thakorn, who also presided over the launch, stressed that savings are crucial for retirement stability. “Adequate savings are a key factor in ensuring financial security. The NSF retirement lottery is a financial innovation that not only encourages savings but also motivates people to adopt systematic and sustainable financial planning,” he said.
Phuket, with a registered population of more than 400,000, currently counts 8,802 NSF members supported by a network of 152 village representatives. The province is being highlighted as an example of efforts to broaden participation and ensure stronger financial protection for citizens, he said.
The two events were attended by NSF Secretary-General Jarulak Ruangsuwan, provincial finance officials, financial network partners, and a large number of local residents.
By linking SME development with savings education, the Ministry of Finance hopes the project will contribute to economic resilience while preparing Thai society for the challenges of an ageing population.