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The
thrift and credit cooperative is set up
to help deal with members' socio-economic
problems. It is a type of financial institution
promoting savings as well as providing loans,
using principles of self help and mutual
help. Specifically, this cooperative's objectives
are as follows :-
To encourage thrift among members. To encourage
the habit of savings, the cooperative currently
offers two types of savings:-
Shares. The cooperative sets that members
must pay monthly shares at rates set by
themselves. These may be deducted directly
from monthly salaries. Dividends are paid
to members at rates specified according
to cooperative law, without tax deductions.
When resigning from a cooperative, the member
can withdraw his/her shares.
Deposits. Both savings and fixed deposits
are offered to cooperative members. Interest
on these deposits may be equal to or higher
than commercial bank rates depending on
the financial status of each cooperative.
To provide loan services to members. Members'
shares and deposits comprise the loan funds
made available to members in need. Interest
on these loans are usually at rates lower
than that of the prevailing market. There
are currently three types of loans available:-
Emergency loans. In crisis or emergency
situations, a member may borrow up to one
half of his/her monthly income, depending
on the financial status of the cooperative.
Repayment is normally made in two installments,
without collateral.
Ordinary loans. The cooperative can provide
an ordinary loan up to a maximum of one-half
of a member's monthly income, again depending
on the financial status of the cooperative.
These can be between 4 to 15 times, or within
the range of Baht 40,000 to 300,000. Normal
repayment is from 24 to 72 installments,
with one other member acting as guarantor.
The maximum amounts allowed for emergency
and ordinary loans are based on the average
amount of members' incomes.
Special loans. When the cooperative services
can be made available to members for housing
and investment purposes. A member may borrow
the actual amount required for investment
or to purchase house and/or land, not exceeding
the ceiling amount of between Baht 400,000
to 1,000,000. Repayment period is between
10 to 15 years, using real property as collateral.
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