Thailand OTOP fair in Patong to breach B1bn barrier

PHUKET: The Thailand One Tambon One Product (OTOP) Fair to conclude tomorrow is expected to boost Phuket’s income from OTOP events beyond the billion-baht mark for the year.

The Patong event is expected to bring the island’s income from OTOP events for Fiscal 2014 to 1.08 billion baht for the local economy, a 22% increase on sales realized last year, said Chaiya Khamsaad, chief of the Phuket Community Development Office.

“Patong has many tourists who I think will take advantage of the cheap prices for quality goods that they will take back to their home countries as souvenirs,” Mr Chaiya said.

“OTOP has become a famous brand within Thailand, synonymous with the renowned products and local delicacies of each province. All these will be available at the fair.”

Another drawcard to the event will be live entertainment, Mr Chaiya added.

“There will be a wide variety of stage performances highlighting the traditional cultures of each part of Thailand [North, Central, South and East]. People will have the opportunity to come and experience these performances for free and view exhibitions set up by communities demonstrating their individual local cultures,” he said.

“The genuine value for money will be obvious every day.”

Mr Chaiya praised the efforts by Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut to promote OTOP events in Phuket

“The continued support from Governor Maitri for OTOP events has been an instrumental factor in us being able to break the billion-baht mark,” he said.

— Saran Mitrarat