Community Development Department, Ministry of Interior  

The concept of community development that emerged in 1940 led to a shift in development approaches among Commonwealth countries. It transformed from traditional methods to a development model that recognized the people as the central driving force of social progress. As this concept spread, it gave rise to a philosophy emphasizing close collaboration between the people and the government in improving living conditions, known as the community development movement. This movement also had a significant impact on development efforts in Thailand.

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  In the year 1940 

In 1940, the Ministry of Interior implemented the Rural Reconstruction and Development Plan with two main objectives: to cultivate the minds and lives of rural people to become good citizens and to promote better living conditions. In 1956, the Local Development Office was established to encourage public participation in local development. The following year, a local development project was initiated, with development officers, later known as Phatthanakorn (Development Officers), responsible for carrying out the work.

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  In the year 1962

In 1962, the government enacted the Ministry and Department Reorganization Act (No. 10) and established the Department of Community Development under the Ministry of Interior on October 1, 1962. In its initial phase, the department's mission was to improve the quality of life for rural communities through public participation and self-development. It can be said that development officers were tasked with working with the people, rather than working for them.

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Community Development Department , Ministry of Interior
Chaeng Watthana Government Complex, Ratthaprasasanabhakti Building (Building B), 5th Floor,
Chaeng Watthana Road, Thung Song Hong Subdistrict,
Lak Si District, Bangkok, Thailand.

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