Wikimedia Thailand/Strategic Direction 2024

Dear Thailand’s Wikimedia Community,

The WMTH Board Members convened a number of times to discuss the progress and future directions of our affiliate from 2024 and onwards. The results of our conversations are summarized below:

Strengthening Governance and Building Capacity

The expansion of our affiliate to include six dedicated members, marks the largest membership we have ever achieved. However, we recognize that the sheer number of participants does not necessarily equate to enhanced capacity. We remain committed to bolstering our members' capabilities through various initiatives, such as training sessions organized by WMF, external training programs, and dialogues with fellow affiliates. We proudly endorse the concept of flat governance, which elevates the authority of each member to mitigate bottlenecks during decision-making processes. Nevertheless, we acknowledge that certain decisions necessitate community consultation to uphold principles of transparency, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging. We also take note of the drafted Movement Charter, which will guide our governance model's alignment. However, we emphasize the importance of considering regional and local contexts in this alignment. Effective internal knowledge management remains paramount to WMTH's continued success and sustainability. Our board members are committed to ensuring that all projects are meticulously planned, implemented, and evaluated both qualitatively and quantitatively. Every lesson learned will be diligently documented to enhance future activities and pass on vital insights to succeeding board generations. These documents will be published on Meta to uphold our commitment to transparency and accountability. Upon formal incorporation, we will consider hiring paid staff to alleviate board members from administrative and repetitive tasks, reducing the risk of burnout among our dedicated volunteers.

Enhancing Visibility and Partnerships

To fuel WMTH's growth, we recognize the critical importance of visibility and public recognition. Formal incorporation as a foundation, pending regulatory approval, offers a potent means to amplify our presence. Increased visibility not only attracts partnerships but also fosters community engagement, drawing more individuals into our affiliate's mission. Aligned with the Movement Strategy, WMTH will actively promote information exchange, learning opportunities, knowledge transfer, and networking across all stakeholders. However, we are acutely aware that heightened visibility brings a spectrum of considerations and risks, both anticipated and unforeseen. When forging new partnerships, we will rigorously ensure there is no conflict of interest, particularly when collaborating with business-oriented entities. WMTH will establish precautionary measures and action plans for all conceivable scenarios. Moreover, we will intensify our efforts to gain recognition within the Wikimedia movement by seeking collaboration with affiliates both within and outside the ESEAP region. This collaboration presents a valuable opportunity to exchange best practices and share our achievements.

Prioritizing Community Health

We understand that the well-being of our community is paramount for retaining new users and sustaining Wikimedia projects in the long run. As we strive to bridge the gap between the editing community and WMTH, we recognize that there has been insufficient communication regarding the Universal Code of Conduct (UoC). As of September 2023, we are pleased to announce that UoC has been translated into Thai with modest modifications to better align with the local context. It is our commitment to ensure that our community members are well-informed about the UoC. Furthermore, WMTH, in collaboration with the Thai Wikipedia community, will develop a community-specific mechanism for conflict resolution. Our board members will actively work to maintain a harmonious environment for everyone involved, underpinned by the principle of assuming good faith (AGF).

In conclusion, WMTH is poised for a promising future, driven by a strong and sustainable governance, enhanced visibility and a focus on community health. We look forward to the exciting journey ahead as we continue to promote free knowledge and collaboration in the Wikimedia movement and across all stakeholders.

Wikimedia Thailand Board Members