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Systematic Review

Frontiers in Political Science ·

Volume 8 - 2026 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fpos.2026.1872884

The management policy to strengthen the National Village and Urban Community Fund in Thailand: a systematic review

  • Nititorn Pinlawat1
  • Wanchai Dhammasaccakarn1
  • Thongphon Promsaka Na Sakolnakorn2*corresponding author
  1. 1School of Education, Walailak University, Tha Wang, Thailand
  2. 2Faculty of Management Science, Silpakorn University, Cha-Am, Thailand
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Abstract

The objectives of this research are to investigate the major difficulties confronting Thailand’s National Village and Urban Community Fund, as well as to establish policy and operational recommendations. This paper conducted documentary research to gather data from academic papers and research reports in the Scopus and TCI databases, which we then carefully filtered using the systematic review approach and used SOAR analysis to develop strategic policy initiatives. The study found that Thailand’s National Village and Urban Community Fund has great importance in developing grassroots economies; according to the analysis, it provides financial access and develops community engagement at a national level. However, the effectiveness of the system is also challenged by weaknesses in financial management, inadequate accounting and risk-management skills, unclear governance structures, lack of transparency, outdated technology, and an increase in non-performing loans. The strengths identified from the study were the country’s fund networks and the participation of the community. In addition, areas for enhancement are digital transformation, legal reform, capacity building, and the establishment of transparent monitoring systems. Moreover, these findings underscore the necessity of strategic reform in policy, leadership and human resource development, digital accounting and debt-monitoring mechanisms, participatory governance, and sustainable development based on BCG model as crucial techniques for efficient management actions. Furthermore, the results also indicate that improved transparency, accountability, technology integration, and community-centered management can ensure long-term sustainability, financial stability, and grassroots economic resilience in Thailand.

Keywords

1 Introduction

Thai village communities face various issues due to global economic impacts and low rural income; loss of cultural identity as a result of urbanization and media influence; inadequate educational infrastructure; and governance issues due to the conflict between traditional autonomy and state control (Khiaokaeo, 2024). In addition, numerous communities have serious problems: economic inequality; the flow of tourism benefits from the countryside into cities; vast gaps and differences in national income; decline in culture owing to the penetration of popular culture and capitalism in traditional governance; the challenge of autonomy for traditional villagers struggling to integrate into state-driven development; and the efficient utilization of financial resources and facilities such as village funds and limited infrastructure and services; the emergence of Thailand as “an aged society,” leading to labor and social challenges (Kitipadung, 2020; Poshakrishna, 2023). Village and community development is a critical way to handle community concerns, resolve difficulties, and improve the general well-being of the community. This development has a range of information, plans, projects, and activities that originate from the learning processes and the active involvement of the villages. The development process is based on village meetings. The process is made up of information, analytical thinking, and decision-making to reach its goals. Thus, the development of the village is based on the real needs and wants of the people and is the first step to align with the development plans at different levels (Chaiyapong et al., 2023; Chairam et al., 2025).

Moreover, the village and urban community fund plays a crucial role in driving Thailand’s grassroots economy. This fund acts as a revolving resource that facilitates job creation, income generation, expense reduction, emergency relief, and the enhancement of community self-reliance, all in accordance with the principles of a sufficiency economy. Established and managed by communities, the fund aims to improve livelihoods, create jobs, reduce expenses, and alleviate urgent hardships. Additionally, it seeks to strengthen the economic, social, cultural, and democratic growth of communities under the supervision of the National Village and Urban Community Fund Office, thus promoting sustainable self-reliance (Poshakrishna, 2023; Pimoei et al., 2024). The village and urban community fund promotes participation, addresses specific urban challenges, enhances community economics through social capital, and empowers local residents to manage their sustainable development. Additionally, this fund facilitates collaboration among community members, various groups, and external organizations to optimize the use of available resources for growth, thereby improving overall community functionality. Funding for urban community development is essential for tackling the complex issues faced by city residents, as urban areas are diverse and confront numerous challenges, including crime, environmental concerns, and safety and security issues. Furthermore, these funds provide communities with the necessary resources to devise and implement solutions tailored to their unique circumstances. Consequently, communities that receive funding can support initiatives that generate income and create jobs, such as community tourism, local product manufacturing, and vocational skills training. Moreover, residents often develop a sense of ownership over these projects, demonstrating a commitment to fostering sustainable development rather than relying solely on external funding. Moreover, the fund also assists in connecting individuals within both digital and geographical communities, enabling them to network and address emerging challenges in the digital era, such as access to technology, digital literacy, and collaboration on local projects (Poshakrishna, 2023; Nithisirawat, 2021; Yomsin and Dharmapiya, 2025).

As mentioned above, the community fund at the village and urban levels still remains the main motivator to enhance the economic liquidity at the rural and urban levels in Thailand. They also face several hurdles such as inefficient leadership methods, lack of accountability, and fund committee capacity constraints, which also undermine confidence and the sustainable functioning of the funds (Ratana et al., 2024). Furthermore, some essential challenges include complaint management, supervision, adaptation to the digital economy, and the establishment of a credible and verifiable information system (Pimoei et al., 2024). However, the village and urban community fund, which has been active for years, is still supporting but still faces its obstacles and is still being hampered by issues; for instance, not enough financing and low community engagement are still concerns. Therefore, it is necessary to study the policy and practice development of village and urban community funds to enhance financial resources and ensure the efficient allocation of financing for local community development. For the future of village funds, digital technology, participatory management, and the establishment of network learning in the community should be used to strengthen their competitiveness and to sustainably improve the quality of life of their citizens (Chairam et al., 2025). Therefore, the current research intends to gain knowledge on the respective needs and challenges in each region and explore the relevant recommendations. It also supports transparent, accountable, and sustainable governance, stimulates public involvement, and reinforces the long-term economy and society. The article addresses certain research questions, such as: What are the challenges of the village and urban community funds? What are the strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and results of the village and urban community funds? What are the policy and implementation guidelines for the further success of the village and urban community fund? According to the above, the results contribute to the grassroots economic development of Thailand through transparent management, public participation, community leadership, and the utilization of digital technology in the management of village funds. Its goal is to strengthen local economies and reduce inequality under the sufficiency economy philosophy. Moreover, this study demonstrates a model of microfinance governance and community-based development as an application to combat poverty, increase access to capital, and support sustainable development through economic decentralization and better community involvement in developing nations.

2 Objectives

This paper aims to study the key issues facing the National Village and Urban Community Fund in Thailand and to develop the guidelines for policy and implementation of the National Village and Urban Community Fund in Thailand.

3 Conceptual framework

The Village and Urban Community Fund of Thailand was set up in 2001 to encourage self-reliance and grassroots economic growth, notably in rural areas. The program is financially supported by the government to the tune of one million baht (approximately 31,694 US dollars) for villages and urban communities to increase their self-reliance through developing skills in various areas appropriate for community members, generating income, reducing reliance on informal loans, and strengthening community bonds through increased self-reliance and member participation. Moreover, it is an important tool for the grassroots economic development policy of Thailand (Thonethong, 2019; Dangcharoen et al., 2022; Thanakong et al., 2022). Furthermore, the administration of village and urban community fund is influenced by a variety of issues, which may be described based on literature analysis as follows:

Fund members are vital for the direction of fund management. They are involved in all processes of administration, and their engagement guarantees that fund allocations and projects are in line with the requirements of the community. Member engagement in management also promotes openness and accountability of fund administration, minimizes the danger of corruption, and creates a sense of monitoring from the local community. Moreover, the engagement of the members is very important for the success of the initiatives of community development and provides a feeling of achievement to the community. Actively involved fund members may also help economic development and poverty reduction by carefully allocating cash to lucrative initiatives. Also, good administration means that members have access to all the information, which enhances communication and fosters confidence between the fund committee and its members. Likewise, capacity development in knowledge and skills on fund management is very important for effective and sustainable decision-making by members (Pratiwi et al., 2024; Sambas and Saputro, 2024; Ginting et al., 2024; Tanete, 2024). The fund’s board of directors also creates rules, monitors the use of the money, and promotes openness and accountability to improve operational efficiency and line with community development objectives. The management board also has to reduce corruption and mismanagement by promoting openness and public accountability via a comprehensive internal audit and reporting system. Further, the board will be responsible for the monitoring and evaluation of the success of the initiatives for the promotion of economic growth at the grassroots level and community welfare using solid standards of financial management. The board’s role is also to work with fund members and other organizations to build networks and enhance access to resources for local development projects. Effective management is about building the capacity of the board through training in areas like finance, risk management, and strategic decision-making so that they can respond sustainably to changes and needs in the community. Finally, the fund’s board of directors should routinely educate fund members on vital information to establish confidence and encourage member engagement in monitoring and suggesting proper management (Abdallah et al., 2024; Alvin, 2025; Utomo et al., 2025).

Fund regulations for village/community fund set the framework for managing funds, budgeting, and reporting processes to ensure funding flows comply with the law and community development objectives. There are also regulations that help maintain transparency and accountability. Clear regulatory oversight also reduces corruption and waste by installing internal controls and ethical audits as well as compliance checks, encouraging participation from money makers and community members; and prompting both those with financial obligations and those who simply live and work with others to decide to look after their common welfare and how to care for a group or community as the basis for a policy agenda in the first place. Furthermore, exact guidelines need to comply with laws that define the powers and duties of local administrators, setting out their obligations and scope of action, for example, through the local laws’ legislation. Regulations also have a crucial role to play in ensuring fund sustainability in terms of fund protection with the establishment of reserve measures, controlling the use of funds, and monitoring funders’ payment processes by making funders accountable, which measures what will help the sustainable economic development of a community in the community at large, which are also indicators of the long-run growth of a long-term and sustainable economic development (Tanete, 2024; Ashsifa et al., 2024; Tajudin et al., 2025). The fund business also manages village and community funds, including the establishment of village-owned enterprises. This enables the use of funds as seed money for operating enterprises that generate profits and support sustainable development. Such efforts might include the development of a cooperative structure and investment in the company according to local potential, raising local income and stimulating community economic activity. Furthermore, the owned enterprises provide more jobs for local communities and economic activity in rural areas. While it may not completely achieve the business usage potential across all sectors, it shows a way to use cash to build the grassroots economy. Moreover, the success of community-managed companies depends on specialized management, planning, accounting, and marketing skills to allow the fund’s enterprises to compete and generate real income for the community. In addition, the function of the funds is also represented in the promotion of local company operations and entrepreneurship, where boosting business management skills and innovation are important aspects in improving the profitability and sustainability of these firms (Arifin et al., 2020; Hilmawan et al., 2023).

The fund management of the village and community fund should follow the principles of excellent governance and investment planning, effective management along with investment, and ethical management. Furthermore, excellent administration aims to enhance the economy, increase returns, and generate revenue for the fund, thereby supporting the economic empowerment of the community. Furthermore, budgetary investments should scrutinize the performance and potential of projects that can create value and services for the community, and the management must ensure transparency, auditing, and evaluation processes to contribute ethically and guarantee visible returns from the investment fund. Therefore, the management risk and the special situation of the community have to be taken into account to not deplete resources and ensure the continuation of support for the projects. Finally, fund administration related to innovative capital investment, i.e., infrastructure construction or market-related business, may substantially increase the profits and quality of life of fund participants (Tanete, 2024; Alvin, 2025; Hilmawan et al., 2023; Nuramal et al., 2025). In addition, the external and community involvement, with outside community and external engagement, where external stakeholders like government agencies, the private sector, NGOs, and academics are involved in the decision-making process, allows for more oversight and audits and ultimately better meets community development goals by increasing transparency. Furthermore, engaging externally with stakeholders also ensures the sustainability of the development initiatives by providing a diversity of ideas and resources (e.g., training, technical assistance, networking, or linking projects to markets or other funding sources). Ultimately, external collaboration promotes joint citizen, external partner, and agency partnerships and contributes to community decision-making autonomy and fund management strategies that respond positively to both social and economic development (Zeho et al., 2020; Ratana et al., 2024; Smas et al., 2025). Furthermore, involving community members in decision-making, benefit sharing, and evaluation contributes to holistic operation, which responds to community member needs (Ratana et al., 2024). Beyond this, participatory communities enable the capacity for sustainable development by prioritizing and evaluating project priorities according to context, resulting in more effective and accepted project implementation among the members (Hilmawan et al., 2023). In addition, it promotes poverty reduction and inequality alleviation, as communities can express themselves through their needs, and the public can track the fund’s use to promote bottom-up economic projects in their country. Additionally, the involvement of community members is critical, especially underrepresented people like women, to ensure inclusive decision-making and management systems, thus giving the fund project a more societal and cultural dimension (Damayanti and Syarifuddin, 2020).

Alongside community and village-based fund, technology and new systems such as applications can bolster communication, project management, and data storage as well as decision-making processes and more. It leads to more effective and transparent fund management measures. And digital mechanisms to monitor the real-time use of funds will help foster trust between users and outside stakeholders, to the extent that other technological elements around e-finance systems and community applications have been introduced. Furthermore, digital social innovation assists communities in tackling challenges such as access to services, elderly support, and technology gaps, all of which impact community development initiatives at the village level using the funds generated locally. New ideas for adapting projects will also be developed by enhancing recognition and familiarity with community members, as well as injecting the new technology into the management process. It has been demonstrated that technology contributes to sustainable development and community integration, as it facilitates the new resources and economic opportunities available, which subsequently can be expanded in the implementation (Chairam et al., 2025; Sommer et al., 2025; Lin and Ye, 2025). In summary, fund members are critical forces driving capital in and out of the community, and they help to instill control of the fund’s process and operation in service of the community. The fund committee is also crucial to policy making, monitoring, and transparency (critical to credibility and management). Furthermore, fund regulations establish the guidelines for behavior and thus minimize the chance of crippling debt and prevent misappropriation of funds. Activities including lending and income-generating projects will also help build local economies, with a funding-supported set of projects. Regular, effective fund management allows for consistent tracking, including evaluation, risk management, and monitoring. Participation in community-building drives joint ownership, decreases disagreement, and generates social capital; more importantly, technology such as digital accounting systems and member databases greatly enhances accuracy, transparency, and auditability. Once such elements intersect and contribute to a solid community financial institution, the fund becomes much more resilient. The conceptual framework of the study as shown in Figure 1.

Conceptual framework.
Figure 1. Conceptual framework.

4 Methodology

The systematic review methodology was used in this study to gather evidence on the policy and managerial approaches for scaling up the National Village and Urban Community Fund in Thailand. The review followed a transparent, reproducible, and structured methodology as per the principles of systematic review to minimize selection bias and to enhance the methodological soundness of evidence synthesis. The objective of this study was the identification, screening, critical appraisal, and synthesis of the published research and policy documents related to governance, operational management, transparency, sustainability, and policy development of village and urban community funds in Thailand.

4.1 Research design

The study is intended as a qualitative systematic review using documentary research methods. In contrast to the conventional narrative review, the review process followed explicit procedures for literature searching, study selection, quality appraisal, and evidence synthesis. It was integrated into policy analysis and thematic synthesis to formulate practical proposals for strengthening the National Village and Urban Community Fund. Furthermore, the review protocol was based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses and the PRISMA framework, ensuring transparency throughout the processes of study identification, screening, eligibility assessment, and inclusion. In addition, the following are the steps in the research process:

  • A literature review is conducted to establish a conceptual framework for the research, define the research approach, connect the framework to this study, and provide clear direction for conducting the research.
  • The data obtained from the analysis of problems in village and urban community funds were then analyzed by the researchers.
  • The data obtained from the analysis of problems within the National Village and Urban Community Fund were used as a basis for SOAR analysis (strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and results) and for analyzing the policy and implementation of the National Village and Urban Community Fund in Thailand to develop and improve the organization.
  • Researchers used document analysis to summarize and present guidelines for Thai government policies that support and promote Thailand’s National Village and Urban Community Fund.

4.2 Research question and review framework

The review addressed the following research question: “What management policies and operational approaches can strengthen the effectiveness, transparency, sustainability, and governance of the National Village and Urban Community Fund in Thailand?” To structure the review scope, the study adapted the PICO framework as follows:

  • P (Population): National Village and Urban Community Funds, including communities, fund committees, and stakeholders involved in fund administration in Thailand.
  • I (Intervention): Policies, management approaches, governance mechanisms, financial management systems, transparency measures, community participation strategies, and digital management practices are implemented to strengthen the funds.
  • C (Contextual Comparison): Comparative findings across different operational models, policy approaches, governance practices, or implementation contexts reported in previous studies. Since the study did not conduct a direct experimental comparison, the comparison component was applied as an analytical comparison of policy and management approaches identified in the literature.
  • (Outcomes): Outcomes related to management efficiency, transparency, accountability, community participation, sustainability, policy effectiveness, institutional strengthening, and grassroots economic development.

In addition, the PICO framework was therefore used primarily to define the scope and boundaries of evidence selection rather than to support quantitative intervention comparison.

4.3 PRISMA framework

A systematic literature search was conducted between December 2025 and March 2026 using the following academic databases: Scopus and Thailand Citation Index (TCI). Additional policy-related documents, government reports, and academic publications relevant to village and urban community funds were also reviewed to supplement the evidence synthesis. In addition, the search strategy included both English and Thai keywords related to village funds, community finance, policy, and management. In addition, Boolean operators (“AND” and “OR”) were systematically applied to improve retrieval coverage. Examples of search strings included “Village Fund” AND Thailand, “Urban Community Fund” AND management, “Community Fund” AND policy AND Thailand, and “National Village and Urban Community Fund” AND governance. In addition, the literature search focused primarily on publications published between 2010 and 2025 to ensure policy relevance and contemporary contextual analysis. The study selection process followed the PRISMA framework. The review process consisted of four stages:

  • Identification: The selection of research documents was systematically conducted using the Scopus and Thailand Citation Index (TCI) databases, including academic publications, research reports, journal articles, and policy documents related to the National Village and Urban Community Fund in Thailand.
  • Screening: Identifying relevant keywords, including “village funds,” “community fund,” and “urban fund.” In addition, the keywords pertaining to the National Village and Urban Community Fund were delineated in both Thai and English to encompass policy, management, and operational dimensions. Inclusion criteria included peer-reviewed, full-length research articles directly relevant to the Village or Urban Community Fund.
  • Eligibility: The clearly defined research selection criteria encompass transparency in the literature review process, including a repeatable data search procedure. This process begins with defining keywords related to village funds, public policy, and the management of village and urban community funds, and the documents are then searched in academic databases, with selection criteria such as relevance to the research topic, publication timeline, and data reliability. In addition, research quality is then assessed based on data completeness and finding consistency, and the evidence synthesis utilizes content analysis and categorization of key issues before summarizing policy guidelines using the SOAR framework to reflect strengths, opportunities, goals, and appropriate outcomes for the development of national village and urban community funds. Furthermore, research quality assessment is conducted to verify and analyze its reliability, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness, and it includes evaluating research design, methodology, and results to identify potential biases, ensuring the research is effectively referenced and applied.
  • Included: The data in this study was obtained from international and national databases, Scopus and the Thailand Citation Index (TCI), from 2010 to 2025. We had four main types of articles: peer-reviewed journal articles, research reports, academic papers, and policy documents directly related to the National Village and Urban Community Fund or its management in Thailand, especially focusing on aspects of policy, governance, management, transparency, financial management, participation, sustainability, and operational effectiveness. In addition, documents were required to be in full text and available in Thai or English. Exclusion criteria also included duplicate documents, research not relevant to the Village or Urban Community Fund in Thailand, conference abstracts, editorials, opinion papers, reports in an incomplete form, studies without enough methodology and data analysis, and documents without full-text access. We also provide an overview of the number of documents generated during the selection to increase transparency in the literature review process. It begins by cataloguing all 62 documents available at various databases, and the duplicate documents are subsequently eliminated before proceeding to the title and abstract screening stage, which determines their relevance to the specific research aims; 27 document records were excluded because they did not meet the criteria, and the reasons for exclusion were systematically documented. Moreover, documents that met the initial screening were later sent to a full-text eligibility assessment, in which the content’s completeness and relevance to the research questions were examined, as well as academic quality and research relevance. And the following process of rigorous synthesis of research meeting the criteria took place. Results from the final selection process showed that of the 62 research documents, 35 met these criteria and were finally accepted for analysis. This selection included 11 documents from the Scopus database and 24 from the Thailand Citation Index (TCI) database. For content synthesis and policy analysis concerning the strengthening of the National Village and Urban Community Fund in Thailand, these were used. As shown in Figure 2.
PRISMA framework.
Figure 2. PRISMA framework.

4.4 Quality appraisal and risk of bias assessment

In order to improve methodological rigor, the quality of the included studies was appraised by using a qualitative appraisal framework developed by the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP). In addition, before synthesis, the framework was applied systematically to scrutinize the methodological reliability and credibility of each study, and the criteria used for evaluation were clarity of research objectives, appropriateness of methodology, quality of research design, rigor of analytical procedures, credibility and consistency of findings, transparency in the presentation of the data collected, and alignment with the objectives of this review. Additionally, each study was independently assessed using a formal structured CASP evaluation checklist. The studies were categorized into three quality levels, as high quality, moderate quality, and low quality, and based on their adherence to the CASP criteria; those removed from the synthesis were considered low quality due to significant methodological weaknesses, a lack of analytical nuance, insufficient detail on research methods, or results that were difficult to interpret. Moreover, two reviewers, in their independent quality assessment to improve reliability and reduce subjectivity, deliberated on any inconsistency in reviews and agreed to reconcile the difference through consensus.

4.5 Data extraction and data synthesis

Relevant data from selected studies were systematically extracted and organized into thematic categories, including policy and governance, financial management, transparency and accountability, community participation, operational challenges, sustainability, digital technology application, and institutional strengthening. A qualitative content analysis approach was employed to identify recurring themes, policy patterns, management practices, and strategic development directions across the reviewed literature. The findings were subsequently synthesized using the SOAR framework, consisting of Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results. Furthermore, the SOAR framework was selected because the objective of the study was not only to identify operational problems but also to develop constructive policy directions and future-oriented management recommendations for strengthening community funds in Thailand. In this study, SOAR functioned as an analytical synthesis framework for interpreting documentary evidence and strategic policy directions rather than as a participatory stakeholder engagement tool. Therefore, the framework was adapted for qualitative policy synthesis within documentary research conditions. The synthesis emphasized identifying existing institutional strengths, emerging policy opportunities, future development aspirations, and measurable outcomes that could support sustainable grassroots economic development and community financial governance.

4.6 Policy synthesis and recommendations

The last stage, which consisted of collating the integration results by means of systematic evidence synthesis, thematic analysis, quality appraisal, and strategic interpretation based on SOAR. In addition, the findings are then used in preparation for developing government and organizational-level policy and operational recommendations. Additionally, the recommendations focused on enhancing the governance systems of the nation, transparency, and accountability; improving financial management; promoting the community’s involvement; integrating digital technology into society; and strengthening the sustainability mechanism in order to support grassroots economic development in Thailand.

4.7 Limitations of the study

The limitations of this study include the following: First, the review primarily relied on published literature and policy documents, which may not adequately reflect current field conditions or unpublished operational experiences. Second, variations in research methodology, study context, and analytical approaches across the included studies may affect consistency in evidence synthesis. Third, the concentration of studies from Thai academic databases may introduce contextual or publication bias. Finally, although the SOAR framework supports constructive policy synthesis, it may place less importance on structural conflicts, institutional risks, or political constraints compared to shortcoming-focused analytical frameworks such as SWOT. Furthermore, the traditional analysis like SWOT tends to focus on identifying problems and shortcomings, which results in a defensive perspective, whereas SOAR is a proactive strategy that emphasizes sustainable growth by utilizing positive forces. In addition, this study employed documentary research using publicly accessible academic publications and policy documents. Therefore, approval from an Institutional Review Board (IRB) or human research ethics committee was not required.

5 Results

The research study begins with an analysis of the problem, and then the summarized findings are used to evaluate potential strategies. Therefore, the results of this study presented the key issue, SOAR analysis, and guidelines for the development of the National Village and Urban Community Fund in Thailand as follows:

5.1 The key issues facing the National Village and Urban Community Fund in Thailand

The key issues facing the National Village and Urban Community Fund in Thailand include the knowledge and skills of the board and members, internal management, the complaint system and response, unacceptable debt and misuse of funds, participation and transparency, legal and structural unpreparedness, financial monitoring, and technology. Furthermore, we can summarize the key issue facing the National Village and Urban Community Fund in Thailand as follows:

Table 1 shows the structural and management challenges of village and town community funds. In particular, lack of knowledge and skills among committee members and staff on accounting, data analysis, and risk management negatively impacts debt collection and financial planning. Then there are internal management systems lacking clarity about personnel, technology, budget, and oversight, which lacks transparency and leads to poor communication and inconsistent member engagement. A complaint mechanism is also ineffective in coordinating and managing complaints, damaging the trust of the communities. At the same time, excessive debt, improper use of funds, and duplicative borrowing further add to the financial threat to the fund. Moreover, a shortage of readiness from legal frameworks to organizational structures, financial auditing systems, and digital technology represents a significant challenge to the fund’s sustainable growth for the long term. Table 1 offers significant SOAR analysis insights, revealing the ability of the members and technology uptake to identify “strengths” and “opportunities” for the funds. In addition, the problems defined assist in identifying “aspirations” that will improve management systems, transparency, and personnel capabilities. Furthermore, the “results” assess expected outcomes, such as reducing bad debt, improving financial efficiency, and fostering enduring trust between members and the community.

Table 1. The key issues facing the National Village and Urban Community Fund in Thailand.

IssuesDescription
Knowledge and skills of the board and membersThe management and board lack knowledge, understanding, and skills in accounting management, leading to disorganized operations and ineffective loan tracking, which adversely affects the fund’s efficiency. Furthermore, issues concerning the expertise and competencies of the board of directors and its members encompass inadequate understanding of management, accounting, and the practical implementation of this knowledge. This issue constrains financial and management planning, decision-making, and problem-solving, potentially leading to missed growth opportunities and heightened financial instability. Therefore, there is a need to develop a more systematic approach to knowledge exchange between the board and members. Furthermore, enhanced training in accounting skills, data analysis, and risk management is necessary to enable both parties to manage the fund effectively and sustainably (Meephum, 2020; Tongkum and Yenyuak, 2021; Srithamma et al., 2024).
Internal managementA lack of clear management systems in terms of personnel, technology, budget, and policy leads to inconsistent operations and gaps in monitoring results. In addition, the problems facing village and urban community funds stem from their operations, which often lack oversight to ensure compliance with fund regulations, unclear communication affecting transparency, insufficient member participation, and the problems in accounting and internal control of village and urban community funds (Soasaweng, 2019; Piyakarn and Socatiyanurak, 2020; Srihathad, 2021).
Complaint system and responseThe office’s complaint handling system is inefficient, lacking coordination and prompt follow-up. In addition, the complaint handling system lacks a clear and effective approach, and the notification, progress reporting, and problem-solving processes lack consistent operational standards. In addition, the problems result in complainants not receiving timely responses or solutions. Furthermore, the lack of coordination with relevant agencies negatively affects the trust of members and the community in the fund’s decision-making process (Nithisirawat, 2021; Dangcharoen et al., 2022; Pimoei et al., 2024).
Unacceptable debt and misuse of fundsIn some cases, members are using fund money for consumption or for purposes that contradict the business plan, which is leading to an increase in bad debt and contributing to a “debt cycle” in certain areas. In addition, the issue of unacceptable debt and misuse of funds has revealed that both members and committee members have misappropriated the fund, utilizing it for personal consumption rather than for investing in vocational development. In addition, the misuse has led to a significant increase in outstanding debt, with certain funds facing extremely low repayment rates, adversely affecting their cash flow and sustainability. Moreover, a troubling trend of overlapping borrowing has established a debt cycle, compelling members to seek loans from informal sources with exorbitant interest rates to repay existing debts, consequently exacerbating household debt burdens and heightening the risk of default (Tongkum and Yenyuak, 2021; Piyakarn and Socatiyanurak, 2020; Srihathad, 2021).
Participation and transparencyThere are varying levels of member participation and transparency in management, causing conflict and reducing trust in the system. In addition, the member and public participation is not yet comprehensive across all dimensions, and varying levels of participation in fund management in other offices impact the fund’s success; limitations remain. Additionally, participation in decision-making, implementation, and evaluation is not uniform, and sometimes the public receives incomplete information before making decisions. Furthermore, communication and disclosure of information about projects and budgets lack transparency in many areas, preventing members and communities from effectively monitoring the use of funds and their outcomes (Klakasikit, 2022; Khiaokaeo, 2024; Poshakrishna, 2023).
Legal and structural unpreparednessFund organizations encounter challenges due to insufficient guidelines and preparedness concerning legal entity structure and operational compliance. In addition, the development of funds to become community financial institutions lacks clear guidelines in terms of law, legal entity, and management structure, and this issue hinders the actual expansion of financial services and roles at the community level from becoming a reality. Additionally, the problem with legal and structural readiness is that the roles, responsibilities, and authority outlined in the laws do not match what actually happens, leading to confusion in the organization and a lack of clear management guidelines to help the fund grow in the future. Consequently, the legal and structural development of the funds fails to comprehensively address the needs of the community (Pakdeewut, 2013; Thonethong, 2019; Soasaweng, 2019; Kitipadung, 2020).
Financial monitoringMany fund organizations lack standardized accounting and reporting systems, which limits the ability to monitor and track debt repayments. In addition, financial monitoring issues in Thailand’s National Village and Urban Community Funds are often related to weak accounting systems and internal controls, hindering effective financial due diligence and loan tracking. In addition, many funds’ committees and officers lack accounting skills and understanding, so it is related to incomplete accounting records, inadequate data collection tools, and insufficient accounting training, impacting the quality of financial reporting and internal audits (Srihathad, 2021; Thanakong et al., 2022; Poorahong et al., 2024).
TechnologyNumerous village funds have adopted technology to augment efficiency and optimize management. Nevertheless, many funding organizations continue to lack contemporary information systems and digital tools relevant to their operations. As a result, the absence of technology and innovation has led to inconsistent data collection, financial management, communication, and reporting. Additionally, insufficient technological infrastructure for managing member databases, tracking account status, and monitoring financial behavior impedes support for innovation. Furthermore, the restricted use of technology for systemic learning and developing community service platforms further limits the potential to enhance the efficacy of these funds in the digital era (Meephum, 2020; Promsaka Na Sakolnakorn, 2026; Aldasoro et al., 2025).

5.2 SOAR analysis of the National Village and Urban Community Fund in Thailand

The SOAR analysis (strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and results) is a strategic tool used in organizational planning and development, focusing on strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and results to create sustainable growth. SOAR emphasizes a positive perspective and stakeholder engagement in shaping the organization’s future. This process helps organizations define a vision and strategies that align with their existing potential and opportunities. Furthermore, SOAR promotes creative thinking and continuous improvement at both individual and organizational levels (Teeranuwat and Thithathan, 2021). Therefore, Table 2 presents a SOAR analysis of the National Village and Urban Community Fund in Thailand.

Table 2. The SOAR analysis of the National Village and Urban Community Fund in Thailand.

Strengths (S)Opportunities (O)Aspirations (A)Results (R)

5.3 The policy and implementation of the National Village and Urban Community Fund in Thailand

In the context of developing community financial organizations, establishing clear policies coupled with emphasis on operational guidelines will strengthen the fund’s long-term sustainability. In addition, integrating technology, developing human resource capabilities, and strengthening good governance are all important supporting factors that can lead to improved decision-making, increased efficiency, and enhanced accountability within community financial organizations. Additionally, the operations must also methodically take into account opportunities, goals, strengths, and quantifiable results. Table 3 presents the key issues, policies, and implementation guidelines.

Table 3. The policy and implementation of the National Village and Urban Community Fund in Thailand.

Key issuesPolicyImplementation
StrengthsThe policy focuses on “building upon the potential of existing structures” by strengthening the fund’s role as a mechanism for developing the grassroots economy and raising management standards to be equitable nationwide.
OpportunitiesThe “Digital & Capacity Building Reform” policy aims to develop the skills of directors/members, coupled with reforms to the accounting system, debt collection, and digital complaint system.
AspirationsEstablish a policy of “good governance and sustainability” to upgrade the fund into a transparent and accountable community financial institution and systematically reduce excessive debt problems.
ResultsDevelop and formulate results-based management policies, focusing on financial stability, member confidence, and the community’s self-reliance.

Moreover, the government must also institute policies and operational guidelines to assist village and urban community funds in a manner that is systematic. The village and urban community fund, for example, would have to focus on a radical change to improve organizational culture to enhance leadership and HR development, and, finally, it would have to adopt technology to increase the efficiency of management (Adam and Siladjaja, 2025; Yavuz et al., 2025). SML budgets (small, medium, and large community) through the National Fund Office help village and urban community funds through explicit allocation criteria, community proposals, area size, and alignment with community development plans to create conditions conducive to capital capacity building and to tackle local economic issues (Coleman, 2006; Menkhoff and Rungruxsirivorn, 2011; Aldasoro et al., 2025). The support of the village funds will contribute to community development, and community participation, transparent monitoring, business training, and digital AI systems are all essential for strengthening management efforts, preventing bad debts through transparency, and creating sustainable community financial institutions that can operate effectively in the modern-day life cycle (Chinthachan et al., 2024; Johnson et al., 2025; Sangwongdee, 2024; Somvata et al., 2025; Petropoulou et al., 2025). Furthermore, village and urban community funds should enhance cooperation with both private and public space to expand distribution channels, develop regional community brands, and enhance competitiveness (Meesattham et al., 2018; Jabr and Zheng, 2022; Jarusen and Cheunkamon, 2024; Yang et al., 2024). BCG economic models will stimulate increased income generation, reduce waste, improve the efficiency of the economic system, and promote long-term sustainability of social, economic, and ecological activities by training, providing low-interest loans, recycling, utilizing resources, and implementing other sustainable strategies (D’Amato and Korhonen, 2021; Promsaka Na Sakolnakorn and Leknoi, 2021; Tejasen, 2023; Maolanont and Pochanart, 2023; Chutipat et al., 2023). The policy and implementation of the National Village and Urban Community Fund, as shown in Figure 3.

The policy and implementation of the National Village and Urban Community Fund.
Figure 3. The policy and implementation of the National Village and Urban Community Fund.

6 Conclusion

The National Village and Urban Community Fund in Thailand is an essential community financing system that serves both rural and urban communities nationwide, enabling funding opportunities and access to finance even for participants without regular access to financial institutions. In addition, the establishment of the fund nurtures the economic lifeblood of a community by providing loans tailored to the individual and encouraging members to play a role in its management. To promote the efficient use of capital and to reduce bad debt (the key for maintaining funds and communities), the fund also builds member and committee skills in accounting, finance, and risk management (Srihathad, 2021; Dangcharoen et al., 2022; Ratana et al., 2024; Srithamma et al., 2024; Chairam et al., 2025). The research revealed the structural and organizational challenges that hinder the effectiveness and sustainability of the National Village and Urban Community Fund. Furthermore, committee members with a general lack of knowledge in accounting and risk management, lack of clarity of internal management and oversight systems, and ineffective communication, transparency, and member engagement lead to inefficiencies that are harmful to both management and the debt burden. Lack of standardization for complaints and prompt response also compromises community trust. Moreover, the excessive amounts owed, financial mismanagement, weak laws, lack of clear organizational structures, poor financial monitoring systems, and old information technology all contribute, not least, to slowing the fund’s growth in the digital age.

A strategic analysis using the SOAR framework for the National Village and Urban Community Fund clearly illustrates the fund’s potential and trajectory for sustainable development. The strengths include a nationwide infrastructure connecting villages and cities, which provides a link between the office and the fund’s member groups; a substantial membership base; and significant expertise in community loan management. Additionally, the opportunities for growth and innovation within this framework suggest a promising future for community-driven projects that can enhance economic resilience and social cohesion. Additionally, a strong legal framework supports the fund, while certain sectors are beginning to integrate technology. The opportunities involve increasing the efficiency of the skills of directors and members in accounting, finance, and risk management; establishing digital accounting and debt monitoring systems; improving the transparency of the complaints mechanism; and reforming legislation to promote good governance through information technology. The aspirations include becoming a community financial institution recognized for good governance, transparency, and sustainability; reducing non-performing loans (NPLs); enhancing staff skills; and developing a nationwide monitoring and evaluation system that leverages technology to boost efficiency and trust. The expected results consist of a lower NPL rate, reliable accounting systems, increased member engagement, an effective complaint resolution system, and the fund’s ability to significantly contribute to strengthening the grassroots economy in the digital age.

The effectiveness of the National Village and Urban Community Fund can be improved by defining clear strategic goals; it involves the development of well-defined policies and their combination with practical actions to facilitate long-term sustainability, taking advantage of the strengths of the existing nationwide fund structure and raising operational standards fairly and equitably (Maolanont and Pochanart, 2023; Saktrakoon, 2024; Chapagain et al., 2025; Kwilinski et al., 2025). Moreover, the major policies include digital transformation; the growth of human resources and training in accounting, finance, and risk management; and the establishment of a member database and an online debt monitoring system. Other steps include setting up a one-stop complaint center and proposing law revisions to boost the standing of community financial institutions. Furthermore, the aims are to guarantee efficient governance and to steadily decrease the amount of non-performing loans. To attain these goals, initiatives include creating key performance indicators (KPIs), implementing a national review system, and continuously exchanging financial information with members. Finally, projected benefits include financial stability, enhanced member trust, thorough internal and external audits, and the continued use of data analytics to modify policies, all of which will encourage sustained community self-reliance.

Finally, the government needs to put policies and operational guidelines into place to help coordinate support for village and urban community funds. In addition, the village and urban community fund should transform organizational culture to develop leadership, human resource development, and technology in order for management efficiency to be increased. Moreover, budget allocation must be adequate, open, and auditable, and it should be participatory in nature to ensure that it will serve the community’s needs. The emphasis should transition from individual lending to verifiable community development initiatives, and the funds ought to be upgraded to contemporary community financial institutions equipped with advanced management systems. Additionally, we should promote partnerships with the private sector to diversify market channels. In addition, support for the introduction of the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) model is needed to promote the grassroots economy and long-term social and environmental sustainability, and it can be through sustainable agriculture, waste management, and renewable energy projects that benefit local people directly. Furthermore, this result can be seen in other countries, such as developing countries, where they already had community fund policies, community-based finance, and community-based economic development schemes. In addition, management and public involvement studies could be employed by policymakers to prepare and enable the support of community-level financial institutions in conditions such as this one. Furthermore, the SOAR framework helps nations avoid looking to problem-solve and instead investigate community strengths and opportunities. Moreover, the implications of what can be gleaned from the current research, as it pertains to the social, economic, political, and cultural situations of each nation, must also be contextualized in light of the region’s variety in terms of administrative frameworks, participation of community members, and community financial schemes; thus, the usefulness has to be flexible and region-specific.

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Footnotes

Edited by: Angelo Leogrande, Università Lum Jean Monnet, Italy

Reviewed by: Koenta Adji Koerniawan, Telkom University, Indonesia

Wasin Praditsilp, Thaksin University Phatthalung Campus, Thailand

Statements

Conflict of interest

The author(s) declared that this work was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Funding

The author(s) declared that financial support was not received for this work and/or its publication.

Data availability

The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/supplementary material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.

Author contributions

NP: Conceptualization, Writing – review & editing. WD: Writing – review & editing, Methodology. TP: Writing – review & editing, Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing – original draft.

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Citation

Pinlawat, N., et al. (2026). The management policy to strengthen the National Village and Urban Community Fund in Thailand: a systematic review. Frontiers in Political Science, Volume 8. https://doi.org/
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Copyright © 2026 Pinlawat, Dhammasaccakarn and Promsaka Na Sakolnakorn.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

*Correspondence: Thongphon Promsaka Na Sakolnakorn

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