Causes and Effects of Loan Delinquency in the Woman’s Development Fund in Khlong Lan District, Kamphaeng Phet Province

Abstract

This study examined the policies and management approaches of the Women’s Development Fund in Khlong Lan District, Kamphaeng Phet Province, explored factors affecting the debt repayment capacity of women borrowers, and proposed guidelines for improving fund effectiveness. A qualitative case study approach was employed. Data were collected through documentary research and in-depth interviews with 38 key informants and analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that loan delinquency resulted from both internal and external factors. Internal factors included poor financial discipline, misuse of loan funds, limited collective responsibility among members, and frequent reassignment of community development officers, which disrupted debt monitoring. External factors included unfavorable economic conditions, rising production costs, declining commodity prices, and outbreaks of plant and animal diseases that reduced borrowers’ income. The study recommends applying New Public Management principles alongside community participation through results-oriented management, transparency, accountability, technology-based debt repayment reminders, peer mentoring among women members, and collaboration with relevant agencies to enhance occupational and marketing skills. These measures are expected to strengthen the effectiveness and sustainability of the Women’s Development Fund.