Sabha Satri Haeng Chart or the National Council of Women of Thailand (NCWT) is one of the largest, longest lasting and best-known women's organizations in Thailand. It came into existence in 1956 as the first umbrella body for Thai women's organizations. The success in starting and initially sustaining this big organization was largely due to the support of two women dignitaries—a Prime Minister's wife and a princess. During the past 30 years, the organization has mostly been run by high society women. Recently, however, NCWT has attempted to add development perspectives into its predominantly charity-welfare programmes. Representing over 100 organizations from all over the country, NCWT continues to enjoy significant participation from élite women, and a close association with the government. As a pioneer women's organization in Thailand, NCWT is worth studying for its history, role and contribution.

Historical Evolution

After World War II, the Thai Government started reviving Thai nationalism. The formation of NCWT was a culmination of efforts to “bring out” Thai women during the two successive premierships of Field Marshal Phibun (1938— 44, and 1948-56). The then First Lady, Thanphuying La-iat (the wife of Phibun), saw an opportunity to utilize the resources of high-class women—their ample free time and training—to bring all Thai women out to join their men in nation building. Her proposal to set up a government wing for women was approved, and she was appointed chairperson of the Women's Cultural Bureau (WCB, Samnak Watthanatham Faai Ying). The aim of the bureau was to promote nationalistic spirit in Thai women by encouraging them to form groups and to assimilate nationalistic values and behaviour (NCWT 1987). In order to incorporate the participation of women outside the government such as wives of governors, judges, police, high-ranking military officers, in 1943, the First Lady founded a private women's association called the Women's Cultural Club (WCC, Samosorn Watthanatham Ying) in Bangkok.