Sisaket: Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, made his inaugural visit to Sisaket in his new role, presiding over the ‘Village Security Guards Day (VSC)’ for the year 2025. The event, held at the Sisaket Provincial Stadium, saw attendance from Mr. Decha Isara Khaothong, Deputy Minister of Interior, Mr. Orsit Sampantharat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, governors of Sisaket, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani, as well as senior executives from the Ministry of Interior, Department of Provincial Administration, heads of government agencies, network partners, and 4,000 Village Defense Volunteers (VSC) members.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phumtham explored an exhibition detailing the history and progress of the Village Defense Volunteers (VDP) and was briefed on personnel numbers by the VDP commander. He witnessed various performances, including an honorary procession and a traditional festival demonstration by the VDP command unit from Amnat Charoen Province.
During his speech on Village Security Unit Day, Mr. Phumtham emphasized the Ministry of Interior’s recognition of the Village Security Unit’s significance, marking the first year that the sacrifices of all village security unit members were formally honored. He declared July 16 as Village Security Unit Day, commemorating King Nangklao’s Five-Line Bandit Law of 1837, which underlined community responsibility in crime prevention. This historical context highlights the origin of the Village Defense Volunteers (VDV), who now number over 670,000 across the country, playing a crucial role in national safety and security.
Mr. Phumtham affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the VDV by enhancing their capabilities and providing necessary resources. He also presented awards to outstanding village security groups from various regions, including the North, Central, Northeast, South, and Southern border provinces, totaling 24 awards.
The event concluded with 4,000 Village Defense Volunteers swearing an oath to Mr. Phumtham. This year’s outstanding Village Defense Volunteers hailed from Ban Tha Ten in Sa Kaeo Province, Ban Nong Khwang in Chiang Mai Province, Ban Non Le in Sisaket Province, Ban Ko Nod in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, and Ban Satae in Narathiwat Province.
The visit also noted Mr. Phumtham’s use of a red-plate car with registration number N-3610 Bangkok. Additionally, despite the appointment of a new Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, the position remains unendorsed by royal decree. Mr. Wirun Sitthiwong, Deputy Director-General, delivered the report at the ceremony, stepping in for Mr. Chaiwat Junthiraphong.