Phuket Islamic savings group reports B60.31 million in assets

The Al-Amanah Savings Group marked its 29th year with more than B60.31 million in circulating assets and 1,398 members at its annual general meeting in Bang Rong Village, Pa Khlok, on July 26.

Phuket Vice Governor Romdon Hayiawae presided over the meeting, representing Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum, according to official reports. The gathering was attended by chairman Usman Wangdee, committee members, Islamic religious leaders and community representatives.

Established in 1997 to promote saving and mutual assistance among Phuket’s Muslim community, the group provides savings, deposit, withdrawal and loan services. It also offers dividends and financial assistance during hospitalisation, childbirth and bereavement, and supports charitable and community activities.

The organisation operates under five principles — honesty, selflessness, responsibility, empathy and trust — alongside the sufficiency economy philosophy. Romdon described it as a model of community development based on financial discipline and mutual support, and praised its transparent management and adherence to Islamic principles, including the use of Zakat funds to help disadvantaged members.

The vice governor also noted that the group accepts members from other faiths, describing this as consistent with Phuket’s tradition of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. He encouraged its committee to continue developing it as a stable and transparent community financial institution.

Earlier on July 26, Romdon visited the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation’s Islamic Ethics Training Project at the Phuket Provincial Islamic Ethics Training Centre in Thepkrasattri, Thalang. The B760,000 programme is being held over seven Sunday sessions from July 19 to Aug 30 and is expected to involve about 800 children, young people and other members of the Muslim community.