The push was confirmed at the meeting of the Provincial Subcommittee for the Management of the Women’s Empowerment Fund, held at Phuket Provincial Hall this week.
Vice Governor Teeraphong Chuaychoo chaired the meeting, joined by Phuket Provincial Development Officer Chaiwut Krutmas and representatives from relevant agencies, to review fund performance and approve new support measures aimed at boosting women’s economic participation.
Key discussions focused on monitoring how the fund is being managed, including budget disbursement, spending oversight and progress by the subcommittee’s secretariat. Officials were told that membership of the fund continues to grow, reflecting increasing participation by women across Phuket communities.
The meeting also approved a series of grant proposals designed to promote vocational skills, support the formation of occupational groups and expand income-generating opportunities for women at the local level. Officials said the projects are intended to help reduce inequality while strengthening the island’s grassroots economy in line with national policy.
A separate agenda item addressed debt relief for fund members. The subcommittee reviewed measures to ease individual financial burdens, allowing members to stabilise their finances and re-engage with career development programmes supported by the fund. Officials stressed that all applications were assessed under strict criteria to ensure fairness and transparency.
Changes to the list of project applicants seeking grant support were also considered, with the aim of ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining continuity in project delivery to maximise benefits for communities.
Updates on overall fund performance indicated steady progress in budget utilisation and wider access to funding, particularly as membership continues to expand. Officials described the growing network of members as a key mechanism for strengthening collaboration among women and encouraging public participation in community development.
Phuket authorities reaffirmed their commitment to using the Women’s Empowerment Fund as a tool to create jobs, generate income and improve quality of life, positioning women as a central force in sustainable local and national development.