Nonthaburi: The Ministry of the Interior is inviting Thai citizens to participate in the OTOP Midyear 2025 event, a major festival aimed at boosting the local economy by showcasing a variety of One Tambon One Product (OTOP) items. Scheduled to run from June 7 to June 15, 2025, at Impact Muang Thong Thani, this event aims to generate at least 600 million baht in domestic revenue.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Traisuree Traisaranakul, Secretary to the Minister of Interior and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior, stated that the event is part of a broader policy under Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, to invigorate the grassroots economy and enhance community tourism. The Community Development Department is spearheading this initiative, focusing on skill development and expanding marketing channels for OTOP entrepreneurs.
The event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. each day across an expansive area of over 60,000 square meters at the Challenger 1-3, Impact Exhibition and Convention Center. It will feature more than 2,000 booths offering 3-5 star OTOP products in multiple zones. Highlights include the "Transforming Thai OTOP to the Online World and Modern Trade" zone, which addresses current trends in digital commerce.
Visitors can explore various themed areas such as 'Thai Fabric Fun to Wear', showcasing daily wearable Thai fabric fashion, and 'OTOP Invites You to Taste', which gathers delectable food from across Thailand. Other zones focus on health and relaxation, contemporary fashion, local food, refreshing drinks, and unique handicrafts, emphasizing traditional Thai wisdom.
Ms. Traisuree highlighted several key zones such as the OTOP Artist Zone, featuring products from over 40 artists, the OTOP Community Tourism Zone, and the First Lady Zone, which presents modern provincial fabrics appealing to all demographics.
The Ministry encourages the public to attend the event, facilitated by convenient access via the MRT Pink Line, which is currently offering free travel to the Challenger Station area. The Ministry of Interior aims for this event to significantly contribute to the economy by circulating at least 600 million baht, thus strengthening the grassroots economy and connecting it to the broader regional market, aligning with Mr. Anutin's policy goals.