Community Enterprise Phuket street market under way

PHUKET: A three-day street market featuring items produced under the Ministry of Agriculture’s “Small and Micro Community Enterprise” (SMCE) program will taking place in Phuket Town started at 2:30pm today.

Kanda Pantong of the Department of Agricultural Extension, Phuket Office (DOAE-Phuket) in Phuket Town told the Phuket Gazette yesterday that the street market would start with an address by Phuket Deputy Governor Chaiwat Thepee at 2:30pm.

Over 60 producers in 30 tents will line the east end of Narisorn Road, in front on the DOAE-Phuket office, from 2pm to 8pm, Chaiwat said.

A wide variety of products will be available for purchase at very reasonable prices, according to the DOAE. These products include: Phuket pineapples, organic vegetables, goat milk, pearl jewelry, life jackets, batik garments, potted plants, sweets and spa products.

All are produced by small community groups in Phuket under the SMCE program, she said.

SMCE producers who successfully develop their products can apply for further investment funding under the larger One Tambon One Product (OTOP) scheme, she explained.

Purchasing agents from local hotels and restaurants are encouraged to develop contacts with promising local suppliers at the market.

Families with young children can enjoy the fair and relax at the nearby Phuket Community Hall, which has one of the nicest playgrounds on the island.

Similar fairs will take place on the last weekend of every month.

For more information call the DOAE-Phuket at 076-216565.