The event, titled ‘Creating a Path of Fairness’, was organised by the Ministry of Justice’s Department of Rights and Liberties Protection and the Legal Execution Department, in collaboration with the Phuket Provincial Justice Office and various network partners.
The fair, presided over by Dr Ratchada Chaikupt, Advisor to the Minister of Justice, focused on helping individuals manage various types of debt, including student loans, car hire purchases, government debts, credit card debts, and personal loans.
The mediation process aimed to prevent legal action against those unable to meet payment criteria or adhere to existing instalment plans, Dr Ratchada explained.
Participants benefited from debt settlement discounts, interest rate reductions, extended repayment periods, and legal or financial advice from experts. The event also emphasised the importance of financial planning and discipline to prevent household debt problems.
Many organisations, including the Student Loan Fund (SLF), Government Savings Bank, Government Housing Bank, Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, Krung Thai Bank, Srisawat Corporation Company Limited and the Provincial Electricity Authority of Phuket, took part in the mediation efforts.
Legal advice and financial planning awareness were also promoted through public relations exhibitions and advisory services.
At the event, dispute mediation centre signs were handed over to be posted at several police stations across Phuket, including at Cherng Talay, Sakhu, Kamala, Karon, Chalong, Tha Chatchai, Patong, Kathu and Phuket City Police Stations.
Phuket currently has 69 government debt mediators, 71 public sector debt mediators, one government dispute mediation centre and 17 public sector mediation centres, Dr Ratchada noted.
In total, the event is expected to have brought over 3,000 debtors into the mediation process, with total mediation funds estimated to exceed B350 million, she added.