Naowarat Khakhay (back row, 6th from right)
and representatives from various communities in Pattaya City pose for a
group picture with the committee of Thai Women Empowerment Funds and
officers of Pattaya Social Welfare.
Warunya Thongrod
Naowarat Khakhay was elected president of the Thai
Women’s Empowerment Fund, which will offer low-interest loans to help
women develop skills and careers.
Khakhay, wife of Pattaya Deputy Mayor Verawat
Khakhay, most recently headed the Pattaya Ladies Development Group. She
will be joined on the fund’s board by Malee Raksaratsadorn, Lawan
Sreenak, Kessarin Temhath, Parichart Kumnerdkhonkaen, Sattakorn
Sanhathanang, Janthra Aekmik, Kanyarat Polyiem, Jidapa Aemik, Kanyarat
Polyiem, Jidapa Phuphuak and Nittaya Sreebanyong.
The fund, which goes into action later this year,
aims to combat domestic abuse and a dearth of economic opportunities for
women by offering low- and no-interest loans to develop incomes, jobs
and careers. Females as young as 15 will be to apply for financial aid.
“I urge all members to work in preserving and
protecting women’s right because women have many burdens to carry
whether it is their husbands, children or housework and careers. In this
work, we all must care for one another and to spread the words to
others,” Naowarat told the new board.
Those interested in becoming a member of Thai Women
Empowerment Funds can contact Office of the Non-Formal and Informal
Education at 038-253-260-61.