Common Interest is proud to be part of a new initiative called "Microfinance Thailand." The goal of this project is to help build a strong and viable network of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in Thailand. Currently, no network exists and very little communication between the different organizations occurs. Our hope is that we can help create a place where Thais involved in microfinance can come together to share knowledge and experiences.

The Microfinance Thailand website currently has a small selection of links to documents and resources for the Thai context. Our hope is that more organizations will join the effort. For more information, visit the Microfinance Thailand website.

Most of the activities of our foundation revolve around micro-credit and village banking. However; this past week, we had the opportunity to get a little sidetracked. A group of local families in Chiang Mai had asked us to help them support a local hilltribe children's home in an area where we work. The children's home is quite sad to see. 87 young children live in a little make-shift bamboo structure which sits on the side of a dirt road. The roof leaks and the food is cooked on a small fire.

Over 50 000 baht in uniforms, mosquito nets and supplies were given to the 87 hilltribe children living in the hostel. Common Interest was happy to help facilitate this work.