Loei: The Huafai Village community's successful fight against alcohol has become a model for fostering a happy and healthy community, transforming what was once a crisis into a source of strength. This initiative has led to job creation, income generation, and the promotion of savings, ultimately contributing to a thriving community.
According to Thai News Agency, the Alcohol-Free Network, in collaboration with the "Diamond Heart" club and women's empowerment groups from 11 provinces in upper Northeastern Thailand, presented the "Hua Fai Village Community Fighting Alcohol" model. This initiative was highlighted at a knowledge-sharing meeting organized by the Thai Alcohol Control Network (TACN) and supported by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (THPF). The meeting, held at the Wang Saphung Municipality meeting room in Loei Province, was presided over by Ms. Nantana Tantithaveechok, Mayor of Wang Saphung Municipality, alongside Ms. Thitiphan Wongkhamchan, TACN coordinator for Loei Province, who encouraged the volunteer network's efforts in building a healthier society.
Ms. Chantrach Saree, Community Health Manager for Upper Northeastern Thailand, explained that the meeting served as a platform for networks to showcase their operational results. The "Volunteer Network Clubs for Alcohol Abstinence (Diamond Heart People)" and "Diamond Heart Women's Empowerment Groups" shared their experiences in reducing alcohol consumption through the "Invite-Help-Praise-Encourage" process and by establishing alcohol-free rules for various community events. This initiative was supported by community leaders and local network partners, who designed innovations and created job opportunities for those who successfully quit drinking. The meeting also aimed to strengthen the clubs' capacity to collaborate with sub-district health funds and community partnerships to build healthy, sustainable alcohol-free communities.
A notable innovation, "Quit Alcohol, Save Money - Save Gold," has been transforming alcohol spending into savings. Ms. Jirachaya Sukjit, a female community health volunteer leader in Tha Don Kham Subdistrict, Bueng Kan Province, described how her group shifted from drinking together to advocating for saving money instead. She highlighted the impact of saving small amounts consistently, which led to improved financial stability and the ability to purchase essential goods. Ms. Phanida Matkhao, a rubber tapper, shared her experience of saving for gold with funds previously spent on alcohol. She noted improved health and financial outcomes, emphasizing the community's confidence in making sustainable changes for a better quality of life.
Ms. Chantrach further mentioned that the lessons learned forum included volunteer networks and women's empowerment groups from various provinces, illustrating that the collective efforts of small community groups can lead to significant societal change.