National Community Welfare Organization/Fund Competition 2024: Promoting Human Security according to Dr. Puey’s Principles
In a recent press conference, the National Community Welfare Organization/Fund announced the commencement of their annual competition aimed at recognizing outstanding community welfare organizations that have made significant contributions to improving the quality of life for individuals in their communities. This year’s competition, themed “Promoting Human Security according to Dr. Puey’s Principles,” is set to showcase the best practices in community care across ten different categories.
The application period for the competition will run from September 16th to October 31st, with the awards ceremony scheduled for March 9th, 2025. The announcement was made during a press conference held on September 13th by the Community Organization Development Institute (CODI) in collaboration with Puey Ungphakorn College of Development Studies at Thammasat University.
Dr. Puey Ungphakorn was a renowned economist and former Governor of the Bank of Thailand, known for his advocacy of human welfare and social development. His principles emphasized the importance of quality of life and the promotion of hope, from birth to old age. These principles have served as the foundation for the National Community Welfare Organization/Fund Competition, now in its 57th year.
The competition is a collaborative effort involving ten key community organizations, including the National Welfare Fund Network, Puey Ungphakorn College of Development Studies, the College of Local Administration, the Institute for the Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises Development, the Ethics Center, the Department of Local Administration Promotion, the National Economic and Social Development Council, the Thai People Foundation, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, and the Community Organization Development Institute.
During the press conference, Dr. Puey’s daughter, Vira Buranavisit, highlighted the significance of the competition in honoring her father’s legacy and promoting community welfare initiatives that align with his vision. She stressed that the awards were not merely accolades but tools to elevate the impact of community welfare organizations and raise awareness about their grassroots origins and government support.
Subheadings:
1. Dr. Puey’s Legacy: Inspiring Community Welfare Initiatives
2. Evolution of Community Welfare Funds in Thailand
3. Criteria and Impact of the National Competition
Dr. Puey’s Legacy: Inspiring Community Welfare Initiatives
Dr. Puey Ungphakorn’s legacy continues to inspire generations of social advocates and community leaders in Thailand. His vision of a society where every individual has access to essential services and opportunities for growth has laid the groundwork for the country’s community welfare initiatives. The National Community Welfare Organization/Fund Competition serves as a tribute to his enduring impact and a platform to showcase the best practices in community care.
The principles espoused by Dr. Puey emphasize the holistic development of individuals from birth to old age, focusing on the importance of quality of life, healthcare access, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation. These core values are reflected in the competition’s categories, which encompass a wide range of community welfare aspects, from family development to environmental conservation.
Evolution of Community Welfare Funds in Thailand
The establishment of community welfare funds in Thailand dates back to 2548, with the Community Organization Development Institute spearheading the initiative. These funds were created to provide financial support to community members in times of need, such as childbirth, illness, or death. Over the years, the funds have expanded their scope to include educational assistance, support for the disabled, disaster relief, and more.
Today, there are over 6,000 community welfare funds operating at the sub-district and municipal levels, with a combined membership of over 7 million people. These funds have disbursed over 22.25 billion baht in welfare benefits, reaching more than 8.6 million beneficiaries. The funds play a crucial role in supplementing government welfare services and ensuring that marginalized communities have access to essential support.
Criteria and Impact of the National Competition
The National Community Welfare Organization/Fund Competition evaluates entries based on a set of criteria that emphasize innovation, community impact, sustainability, and collaboration. Organizations must demonstrate effective governance structures, transparent accounting practices, and a track record of at least three years in community care.
The competition has had a profound impact on the landscape of community welfare in Thailand, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement among participating organizations. By recognizing and rewarding outstanding initiatives, the competition motivates organizations to strive for greater impact and innovation in their welfare programs.
In conclusion, the National Community Welfare Organization/Fund Competition stands as a testament to Dr. Puey Ungphakorn’s enduring legacy and commitment to human security. Through this annual event, community organizations across Thailand have the opportunity to showcase their best practices, learn from each other, and inspire a new generation of social change-makers dedicated to promoting the welfare of all individuals.
