New foundation gives power to Phuket people

PHUKET: The people of Phuket now have a direct say in the development of projects to improve the local community – and how funding is used for them – with the recent launch of independent charity Phuket Community Foundation (PCF).

The foundation is fully independent of any business, political or religious affiliations and provides a channel for organizations, businesses and individuals to address local issues that remain outside the scope of registered charities and government funding.

PCF President Niyom Tassaneetipagorn outlined the foundation’s goals during the charity launch at the Phuket Merlin Hotel on Monday. “The PCF is for the community, by the community and belongs to the community. It brings all layers of society together with a common goal of improving Phuket for locals and visitors alike,” he said.

“We are confident in the community’s ability to know itself and the problems that exist within it, and we think the community is therefore best suited to decide on the issues and challenges that need to be addressed,” he added.

Out of respect for the foundation’s policy against affiliation with, or use as a public relations tool by, any particular local business, the Gazette became a founder donor of the PCF earlier this year.

The PCF is now calling upon the public to identify pressing issues and come up with solutions for them. In order to initiate this type of community involvement, the organization is holding a competition – open to all Phuket residents – to submit their ideas for improving society.

Winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to observe the workings of a successful charity project in Thailand in the hope that the knowledge gained will help the PCF achieve its aims.

The deadline for entries is September 15, and winners will be announced two weeks later.

To submit your ideas or for information on donating time, money or skills to the PCF, visit: www.phuketcf.org or contact K. Piyarat (Tel: 081-7190967, Email: kpiyarat2000@yahoo.com).